Epilobium angustifolium Willow herb (Onagraceae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Epilobium angustifolium
Willow herb
(1 Page of 5)

The Epilobium angustifolium plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Onagraceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Willow herb. Some home gardeners know the variety as Chamaenerion angustifolium.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Epilobium angustifolium
Common Name:  Willow herb
Family:  Onagraceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  An infusion of the leaves is said to stupefy a person[4].

Mature Height:  2   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Rocky ground, waste areas, woodland edges and gardens[7, 13].

Cultivation Notes: An easily grown plant, it prefers a well-drained but moisture retentive soil in a sunny position[200], though it succeeds in most soils[1]. It prefers a moist soil[111], but also succeeds on dry banks[188]. It is best grown in open woodland[1]. Plants are hardy to at least -20°c[187]. The rosebay willowherb spreads vigorously by means of a creeping rhizome, and often forms large patches[187]. It is apt to become a weed especially through its seed which is very light and capable of travelling long distances in the wind. It is often one of the first plants to colonize disturbed areas such as scenes of fires[1, 200]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is the floral emblem of the Yukon[172]. A food plant for the caterpillars of several lepidoptera species[24], it is also a good bee plant[74, 94].

For further Epilobium angustifolium gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future