Rosebay Willowherb- young shoots

[jon r]

There are plenty of young Willowherb shoots arround at the moment. However i cant tell weather the shoots are of the Rosebay Willow herb or the Great Willowherb. Does this matter? Are the shoots of both kinds edible? And how do you tell them apart at this early stage?

 

[Harvestman]

Leaves of Rosebay are edible even in mature plants, but bitter and peppery and not really worth the trouble. I've tried them a few times without ever really enjoying them. Possibly the young shoots are better.

Don't know about Greater Willowherb.