American Willowherb

Epilobium ciliatum (ep-ih-LOW-bee-um sil-ee-ATE-um)

Family: Onagraceae Native Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

Fringed willowherb is a native flowering, herbaceous perennial, wildflower in the evening primrose family (Onagraceae) and is found in much of North America, southern South America, and Eastern Asia. Its habitats include wetlands, marshes, swamps, wet meadows, forest edges, and rocky cliffs. It grows from 4 to 6 feet tall with an erect, single or multiple stems. The flowers are solitary and are borne with 1 to 2-inch-long pedicels, 4-petaled, white to pale pink blooms, and have a basal rosette of green leaves. This plant is very adaptable and has become problematic in container and field nurseries in the United States. This perennial prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, loamy soil. This fast grower can spread rapidly in garden settings. The plant's capsule splits open upon maturity, and then its seeds are easily dispersed by the wind and germinate readily. Vegetative buds or turions are sometimes produced. They can overwinter in the soil surface and become a seed source in the spring. Once this plant is established, it is difficult to remove. Fringed willowherb attracts pollinators such as bees, flies, and hummingbirds. It is also the larval host for several moth species. Don't let this delicate and airy plant fool you. While it is beneficial for pollinators, it can easily colonize disturbed, wet areas and is becoming weedy. It is considered invasive in some areas outside of its native range. In our region, sanitation is very important in container nurseries, and the plant liners need to be inspected to prevent further spread or introduction. Preventing the plants from going to seed can also curb their spread. Willowherbs are not well-managed by herbicides, but herbicide efficacy rankings for this species are based on limited experimental data. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease issues. Monitor for powdery mildew. It can become weedy.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 61 attributes.