Epilobium hirsutum
Great willowherb
Epilobium hirsutum, commonly known as Great Willowherb, is a resilient perennial herb prized in traditional herbalism. Characterized by its hairy stems and pinkish-purple flowers, this plant is often utilized for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, traditionally supporting digestive health and skin vitality through its potent bioactive compounds.
- Scientific name: Epilobium hirsutum
- Family: Onagraceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Myrtales, it is classified under the family Onagraceae. Finally, it is categorized within the genus Epilobium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Myrtales | WCVP |
| Family | Onagraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Epilobium | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Epilobium hirsutum, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Polish, it is referred to as Wierzbownica kosmata, while in Basque, it goes by the name Goilora. French speakers call it Épilobe à grandes fleurs, whereas in Finnish, it is known as karvahorsma, and in Hungarian, it is termed borzas füzike.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | Wierzbownica kosmata | Wikidata |
| eu | Goilora | Wikidata |
| fr | Épilobe à grandes fleurs | Wikidata |
| fi | karvahorsma | Wikidata |
| hu | borzas füzike | Wikidata |
| et | karvane pajulill | Wikidata |
| de | Zottiges Weidenröschen | Wikidata |
| cs | vrbovka chlupatá | Wikidata |
| az | Tükcüklü yağıotu | Wikidata |
| lt | Plaukuotoji ožkarožė | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across various regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing naturally within the borders of Denmark. The species also extends its range to include the landscapes of Finland. Additionally, it is documented to inhabit parts of Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its presence is noted within the territory of Norway.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as hairy willowherb, is characterized by its distinctive aerial parts which are utilized in various medicinal preparations. The overground part of Epilobium hirsutum consists of erect, leafy stems that are densely covered in fine, soft hairs, giving the plant its specific epithet. These harvested components, including the leaves and flowering tops, contain the bioactive compounds essential for its therapeutic properties.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| overground part | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Epilobium hirsutum has 15 reported phytochemicals identified across 19 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ellagic acid, flavonoids, oenothein B, Oenothein B, chlorogenic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 15
- Scientific sources
- 19
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ellagic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oenothein B | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Oenothein B | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ellagitannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hyperoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isoquercitrin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Epilobium hirsutum has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Epilobium hirsutum has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include SARS-CoV-2, bladder, influenza viruses.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| SARS-CoV-2 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bladder | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| influenza viruses | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |