Plant Details

Epilobium angustifolium

Willow Herb

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Epilobium angustifolium.

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Common names

3 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Willow Herb
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Wilgenroosje
French
  • Épilobe en épi
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Epilobium angustifolium
Accepted name (Kew): Epilobium angustifolium L. View name reference ↗

Accepted in the cited Kew taxonomic treatment.

Sources [1]
Botanical family: Onagraceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Epilobium (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Willow Herb
Images: Google Images

Plant characteristics

Layer: Herbaceous, Ground cover
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 0.61–1.52 m

NC State landscape size range; converted from feet and inches. Size varies with site, age and management.

Sources [2]
Spread: 0.3–0.91 m

NC State landscape size range; converted from feet and inches. Size varies with site, age and management.

Sources [2]
Growth rate: Fast
Sources [2]
Foliage: Deciduous
Sources [2]
Growth habit: Erect

Whole-plant habit and form as described by NC State.

Sources [2]
Life cycle: Perennial
Sources [2]

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 7a, 7b

USDA zones listed by NC State; winter survival does not establish reliable cropping.

Sources [2]
Soil moisture:
Well-drained, Moist

Moisture and drainage conditions listed by NC State.

Sources [2]
Soil:
Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky
Sources [2]
pH:
Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Sources [2]
Light:
Full sun, Partial Shade
Sources [2]

Uses

Edible parts:
Leaves, Flowers, Root, Stems, Tea
Edibility rating:
(3)
Medicinal rating:
(2)
Functions:
Fibre, Stuffing, Bee forage

Description

Leaves and the tips of young shoots of the willowherb can be eaten raw or cooked, for example in salads or as a vegetable. This plant contains a lot of vitamins A and C. Only the young leaves should be used, and they can also be dried to make sweet tea, also known as 'kaporie' tea in Russia. The young shoots can be cooked and serve as a good substitute for asparagus. The root of the willowherb can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried. The dried root can be ground into powder and has a sweet taste. Flower stems of the plant are suitable for adding raw or cooked to salads when the flowers are still in bud. The pith of the stem is sweet, tender, and limited in quantity, but can be used as a flavoring in soups due to its gelatinous texture. The willowherb is known as a mild laxative, but it is advised not to consume it on an empty stomach.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/07
Harvest ends: 30/09

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical familyTaxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 1380823; name ID 2790034; Epilobium Dill. ex L.. Family column.
    • Taxonomy: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 1383026; name ID 2790112; Epilobium angustifolium L..

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. NC State Extension, North Carolina State University Epilobium angustifolium — Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
    Supports: HeightSpreadGrowth rateFoliageGrowth habitLife cycleLightSoil moistureSoil textureSoil pHUSDA hardiness
    Relevant sections
    • Height: Dimensions > Height; Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
    • Spread: Dimensions > Width; Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    • Growth rate: Growth Rate
    • Foliage: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics
    • Growth habit: Habit/Form
    • Life cycle: Life Cycle
    • Light: Light
    • Soil moisture: Soil Drainage
    • Soil texture: Soil Texture
    • Soil pH: Soil pH
    • USDA hardiness: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

    Source checked on .