How to Grow and Care for Willowherbs

The fringed willowherb is native to North America and East Asia, but was introduced to North Europe in the 1900s and spread rapidly. It prefers humid places such as in the wetlands or by the streams and ponds, but it can also survive in a variety of habitats such as roadsides and wastelands.

Marsh willowherb (Epilobium dodonaei) is a herbaceous perennial wildflower that will grow to 1.5 m tall. Commonly found growing in woodland clearings and open areas. It blooms from summer to fall with spikes of showy pink flowers. It thrives in full sun and is drought tolerant.

Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) is a perennial wildflower known for its distinctive, showy petals. The plant gets its common name from a unique natural phenomenon: It is one of the first plants to emerge after a wildfire. If soil conditions are right, fireweed can be an aggressive weed. If not, the seeds can remain dormant in the earth for years, waiting for the right conditions to germinate. It typically blooms from summer to fall.

Hairy willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum) is a species of weed that is difficult to eradicate. It is not known to be toxic, but the sale of this plant or its seeds has been banned in some areas. This is because its dense, aggressive growth habits can crowd out and destroy other native beneficial plants.

Square-stalked willowherb (Epilobium tetragonum) is a perennial with a distinctive square-shaped stalk and can grow from 61 to 122 cm tall. It blooms from summer to fall with pink flowers. Commonly found growing wild in gardens along roadsides and other wastelands. Prefers full sun and moist soil.