How to identify Fringed willowherb (Epilobium ciliatum)

How to identify Fringed willowherb (Epilobium ciliatum)

Fringed willowherb, also known as Glandular willowherb, Slender willow herb

Fringed willowherb is an annual slender herb typically elongating to about 18 inches (45 cm) tall. It features tiny seedlings that are initially slow to establish. Once matured, they exhibit elongated stems and are sometimes recognized by their ability to spread effectively via wind-dispersed seeds. The stems of fringed willowherb are often covered with tiny hairs, which can be a distinguishing characteristic. Its foliage exhibits simple leaves, usually with a somewhat serrated margin, which can assist in its identification. The control of fringed willowherb through herbicides seems to be challenging, and manual prevention of seed set is recommended to limit its proliferation.

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Fringed willowherb

Tiny hairs cover fringed willowherb's stems, aiding in differentiation.

Leaves lack petioles, showing deep veins and purple margins.

Single stem of fringed willowherb grows 1.5-3 feet (45-90 cm) tall.

Flowers possess four distinct petals in pink, blue, or white.

Fruit capsules split open with tufted white-haired seeds.

Detailed Traits of Fringed willowherb

Leaf Features

The leaves of fringed willowherb are uniquely opposite on most of the plant, with the upper stem sometimes showcasing alternate leaves. They lack petioles, feature deep veins, and often display a purple shading along the margins. Lower leaves are typically hairless, whereas those near the flowers have a sparse distribution of small hairs. These features, including the leaf arrangement and subtle color variations, make them distinguishable and essential for plant identification.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Fringed willowherb flowers are notable for their single and delicate appearance, with colors ranging from pink/red, blue/purple, to white. Each flower possesses four distinct petals with a slightly notched margin, originating from the leaf axils in the upper part of the plant. The flowers measure approximately 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in diameter. The sepals, or tepals, are not fused, giving the flower an open, airy look. Typically, fringed willowherb flowers bloom from spring to summer, emitting a light, subtle fragrance.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of fringed willowherb is typically single and ranges from 1.5 to 3 feet (45-90 cm) tall. The upper section is characterized by fine hairs, giving it a slightly fuzzy texture, while the lower portion is smooth and hairless. The stem is green, slender, and erect, sometimes with a slight reddish hue near the base. It remains unbranched or sparsely branched, with a diameter of about 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2-5 mm).

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of fringed willowherb is characterized by elongated, cylindrical capsules, each possessing a unique, hairy surface. These capsules are typically structured with four compartments and measure 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in length. Upon reaching maturity, the fruit exhibits a distinctive behavior where it dries and naturally splits open. This opening mechanism is critical for the dispersal of its seeds, which are notable for the delicate tuft of white hairs at their tips. These hairs assist in wind-mediated seed dispersal. The overall coloration of the fruit during the maturation phase transitions to brown, signifying readiness for seed release.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them

Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Fringed willowherb and Their Similar Plants

Hairy willowherb vs. Fringed willowherb: What's The Difference?

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.

Fireweed vs. Fringed willowherb: What's The Difference?

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.

California fuchsia vs. Fringed willowherb: What's The Difference?

California fuchsia (Epilobium canum) is a deciduous perennial that will grow to 46 cm tall. Bright scarlet flowers bloom summer and fall. California fuchsia grows best in full sun but needs constant moisture in summer. This plant goes dormant in winter.

Identify Fringed willowherb easily and quickly

We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.

Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About Fringed willowherb

Attributes of Fringed willowherb

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

20 cm to 1.5 m

Spread

1 m

Leaf Color

Green

Stem Color

Green

Leaf type

Deciduous

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of Fringed willowherb

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Fringed willowherb (Epilobium ciliatum)

Learn More About the Fringed willowherb

Distribution Map of Fringed willowherb

Fringed willowherb is native to Eastern Europe, Asia, South America and North America. The plant also grows as an introduced species in several European countries, mainland Malaysia, and New Zealand. Despite not being classed as an invasive species, this plant has a weedy nature and grows in many habitats outside its preferred wetlands.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Fringed willowherb

A Comprehensive Guide to Fringed willowherb How to Grow and Care for Fringed willowherb