Constant species

Epilobium angustifolium.

Physiognomy

The Epilobium angustifolium community is overwhelmingly dominated by E. angustifolium, the tall shoots of which can reach well over 1 m by summer. No other species is frequent throughout but the commonest associates overall are Rubus fruticosus agg., Holcus lanatus, Pteridium aquilinum and Urtica dioica with various other species reflecting the different situations in which this kind of vegetation can develop.

Sub-communities

Holcus lanatus-Festuca ovina sub-community. In this grassy or heathy vegetation, E. angustifolium is accompanied by frequent Holcus lanatus and Festuca ovina, occasional Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis capillaris, Potentilla ereeta, Galium saxatile and Teucrium scorodonia, and sometimes by scattered Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Ulex europaeus and U. gallii and sparse or patchy Pteridium.

Urtica dioica-drsium arvense sub-community. U. dioica is a frequent associate here, though not rivalling E. angustifolium in cover, and there are often scattered individuals of Cirsium arvense and C. vulgare. Holcus lanatus remains common but is occasionally accompanied here by Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus mollis, Deschampsia cespitosa and Poa trivialis, with Heracleum sphondylium and Galium aparine. Patches of Rubus fruticosus agg. can sometimes be seen.

Rubus fruticosus agg.-Dryopteris dilatata sub-community. Rubus fruticosus agg. is constant here, along with Dryopteris dilatata, and occasional Pteridium aquilinum and saplings of Betula pendula, B. pubescens, Pinus sylvestris, P. nigra, Quercus robur and Q. petraea. Bryophytes Such as Mnium hornum, Aulacomnium androgynum and Lophocolea bidentata s. l. are sometimes prominent on decaying wood.