Great willowherb is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, and introduced to North America
and Australia. Like purple loosestrife, it is invasive in wetlands, and is considered an invasive
species in some areas.
Identification: Plants are up to 6½′ (2 m) high, with
multiply-branched, hairy stems. Leaves are opposite, ¾-4½″ (2-12 cm) × ⅛-1¼″ (5-35 mm), widest
near the base, serrated. They attach directly to the stem, and are hairy on both sides. Flowers are rose pink,
about ⅞″ (2.5 cm) in diameter, with four notched petals. Seeds are flattened, about 1/32″ (1 mm)
in size, with a "parachute" of white hairs.
Edibility: Leaves can be used to make a tea called "kaporie tea" in Russian.