West Highland Flora

Chamerion angustifolium

Photo © Carl Farmer
25 Sep 2001 Portree, Skye

Common in disturbed ground, in felled forestry plantations, and as a garden weed.

Stems c 60 to 150 cm tall.  Flower diameter c 2-3 cm

ID: 4 prominent purple sepals showing through gaps between the 4 pink-purple petals.

Other features: Stigma cross-shaped.  A very vigorous plant spreading by roots just below the surface and also by feathery seeds that can be seen blowing across the land in their thousands on a windy day.

Photo © Carl Farmer
26 Mar 2005 Portree, Skye
Visible height of shoot c 5.9 cm

Young shoot

Photo © Carl Farmer
16 Apr 2003 Portree, Skye
Longest leaves c 10 cm

Slightly more advanced shoots

Photo © Carl Farmer
20 Sep 2001 Portree, Skye

Above: Fruit-capsules beginning to open to
release feathery seeds

Right: Leaves often turn red in autumn

Photo © Carl Farmer
25 Sep 2001 Portree, Skye