1. Fringed Willow-herb – Epilobium ciliatum ssp. ciliatum (ep-ih-LOW-be-um sil-ee-AY-tum)
Family: Onagraceae (Willow-herb Family)
Native to: Much of Northwestern N. America (species) and most of California; fairly common in
most plant communities in moist areas below 10,000'.
herbaceous perennial
mature height: 1-4 ft.
mature width: 1-2 ft.
Erect, many-branched perennial from a basal rosette of leaves. Usually dies back in fall/winter in
our area. Stem and leaves medium green, sometimes tinged with red. Leaves lance-shaped with a
few coarse teeth on margin and prominent, sunken veins.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms late spring to fall, depending on soil moisture. Flowers are very small,
white-pink, with notched petals. Flowers usually solitary but may be in loose clusters. Inferior
ovary (beneath the petals) typical of the Family. Many small, tufted, wind-borne seeds from a linear
seedpod that opens and curls outward as it dries.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most often isn’t planted – a regular natural component of most local gardens.
Best used in rain gardens or margins of vegetable garden. Young shoots/leaves can be eaten as a
cooked pot-herb. Older leaves sometimes dries and used as tea.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native moist-area plants; edibles greens.
Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part-shade.
Any local texture and pH.
Needs good winter/spring water (Zone 2 or 2-3); taper off after blooming.
None needed – but won’t harm it.
Management:
Plant re-seeds like crazy in moist areas of garden. Easy to pull in spring.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed – easy in winter/spring
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 10, 14, 21, 24
1/29/13
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