Blue flower ID - Rainton Meadows

[Ladywell]

Thank you Dorts. Really interesting ste. I notice that London's plant is Rosebay Willowherb - I think also known as Fireweed because it grew on derelict bomb sites?

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by Ladywell

Thank you Dorts. Really interesting ste. I notice that London's plant is Rosebay Willowherb - I think also known as Fireweed because it grew on derelict bomb sites?

Yes you're right. Being a Londoner born during the war, I can remember seeing it all over the 'bomb-sites' in the 1950's, hence the name 'Fireweed'; it also I believe popped up in other bombed cities.

Until that time it was never a very common plant in Britain and has only become so since then, it's seeds being distributed by the wind.
Dorts.

[rscott74]

Willowherb is our commonest flower at the moment. It adds a nice touch of colour but, when ready, the seeds literally get up your nose.

[willowjay]

I have always loved fireweed - the rosebay willowherb. As Dorts says it was a common plant in the bomb debris of London. Though born just after the war I remember it well. Even in the suburbs, bombed sites were enchanted places, rich with wildlife.

For me it has a special memory. Many many years ago, too many to comfortably remember, I sat the 'A' level art exam, and one of the 3 hour exams was to produce an 'imaginative composition in colour'. I had studied the willowherb, made some drawings from some on our local railway embankment, and colour notes in a sketchbook - and my exam piece was the flower spikes in the foreground, and London bomb site in the background - all rather moodily dramatic - pinks and dark greys. I was pleased with the result - and - apparently, so were the examiners - as it led to an 'a' grade pass, entry to art college, and a lifetime of drawing.

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by willowjay

I have always loved fireweed - the rosebay willowherb. As Dorts says it was a common plant in the bomb debris of London. Though born just after the war I remember it well. Even in the suburbs, bombed sites were enchanted places, rich with wildlife.

For me it has a special memory. Many many years ago, too many to comfortably remember, I sat the 'A' level art exam, and one of the 3 hour exams was to produce an 'imaginative composition in colour'. I had studied the willowherb, made some drawings from some on our local railway embankment, and colour notes in a sketchbook - and my exam piece was the flower spikes in the foreground, and London bomb site in the background - all rather moodily dramatic - pinks and dark greys. I was pleased with the result - and - apparently, so were the examiners - as it led to an 'a' grade pass, entry to art college, and a lifetime of drawing.

Lovely recollection willowjay. Thanks.
Dorts.