Though few are regularly used as ornamental plants, the larger willowherbs may be attractive in ruderal locales. One of the most frequently recognized members of the genus is the circumboreal fireweed (E. angustifolium), known as rosebay willowherb in the United Kingdom.

Understanding the Context

Willowherb is a complex group of perennial plants, primarily in the Epilobium and Chamaenerion genera (Evening Primrose family). Its status as a desirable wildflower or a persistent weed depends entirely on context and species. Epilobium is a genus of flowering plants in the evening primrose family and contains about 197 species. Willowherbs are mostly herbaceous plants, either annual or perennial and a few are subshrubs.

Key Insights

The Epilobium genus, also known as Willowherbs, includes plant species native to temperate and subarctic regions worldwide. These annuals or perennials produce spikes of small, typically pink or white flowers from summer to early fall. Willowherbs don't cause problems but they can spread easily by seed and underground roots, known as rhizomes. Indeed, in the right setting, willowherbs make excellent garden plants, thanks to their height, abundance of flowers and attractive seeds. Tall Annual Willowherb, also known as Autumn Willowherb, Panicled Willowherb, Annual Fireweed, Tall Fireweed, Short Fruit Willowherb.

Final Thoughts

Tall Annual Willowherb is a resilient plant requiring minimal upkeep. Key care needs include well-drained soil and a sunny location to thrive. Read on for some clues on how to get rid of willowherb once and for all. Willowherb (Epilobium) is a Class B noxious weed in many states. In its native regions, it is simply part of the natural flora and a beneficial part of the landscape. There is a gradual change in appearance of the leaves from the base (or near the base) of the plant to those from further up on the stem, with leaves progressively changing as one moves higher on the stem (often becoming shorter, or less toothed/lobed, and/or with shorter petioles).