Lathraea clandestina (purple toothwort)

I've never seen this anywhere else Dawn its amazing !

Me neither Amy its lovely so unusual.

Gorgeous colour

Thank you. I'm surprised you've never seen it guys. I hadnt even heard of it until I was reading an article on "things to do with willow". After that, I had to find where to get some .... It spreads by exploding seed capsules. I hope the seeds catapult to other tree roots :-)

Does it harm the willow Dawn

Hi Dawn, I dont know, I dont think so but its only a common willow so I'm not concerned, I have plenty more, it looks like there's no harm so ar and I've not read they affect the host.

I wonder if its only certain tree roots it likes bit like the mistletoe as you said it had nt took on the other trees. Glad it does nt do harm though thanks for replying.

I think willow is its favourite - like apple trees are mistletoe's favourite. I have a couple of apple trees with mistletoe growing.

Thats wonderful Dawn