Narrow-leaved Willow Herb

(Epilobium leptophyllum)

Narrow-leaved Willow Herb (Epilobium leptophyllum Raf.)

Identification: Flowers small (less than 0.25 inches in width), white or pink, with 4 petals. Stigma entire, not divided into 4 parts. Flowers on flower stalks of medium length, not nodding (hanging downward). Flowers arising from the leaf axils. Seedpods narrow and elongate. Plant heavily branched. Stem and leaves covered with whitish down. Leaves alternate, elongate, very narrow, the outer margin without teeth. Plant 1 to 4 feet in height.

Distribution: Across southern Canada, extending southward to Missouri in the west, and North Carolina in the east. Also occurs in most of the western United States.

Habitat: Narrow-leaved Willow Herb is found in marshes and other wet habitats.

Flowering period: July to September.

Similar Species: Purple-leaved Willow Herb and Northern Willow Herb both have wider and toothed leaves. Downy Willow Herb is very similar to this species. Downy Willow Herb is not as heavily branched and the leaves are slightly broader. The hairs on the stem of Downy Willow Herb are soft and straight. In contrast the stem hairs of Narrow-leaved Willow Herb are minute and curved.