Chamaenerion

/ˌkæməˈnɪriɑn/ noun

Definition

A genus of flowering plants in the evening primrose family, characterized by their tall spikes of pink or purple flowers, also known as rosebay willowherb.

Etymology

From Greek 'chamae' (low) and 'nerion' (oleander plant). Despite the name suggesting lowness, many species grow quite tall.

Kelly Says

Rosebay willowherb exploded across Europe and North America in the past century—it colonizes disturbed lands so aggressively that it became a symbol of nature reclaiming bomb sites after World War II.

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