Epilobium ciliatum Raf.

Taxonomic Identity

Epilobium ciliatum Raf. is a clumping perennial plant that often grows taller than 1.5 meters (5 feet).

Leaf Morphology

It bears thickly veined, lance-shaped leaves; leaves toward the base of the plant can reach up to 15 centimeters in length.

Surface Texture

Bristly hairs and glands cover the plant's foliage, stem, and inflorescence.

Sepal Characteristics

This species produces four sepals.

Flower Shape

Its regular, trumpet-shaped flowers have four petals, which are so deeply notched that they appear as four pairs.

Flower Coloration

Flower colors range from white to light purple or pink, with dark veining on the petals.

Reproductive Flower Parts

Flowers have eight stamens and a club-shaped stigma.

Fruit Structure

The fruit is a narrow, hairy, four-chambered capsule that grows up to 10 centimeters long, and it may be held on a long stalk.

Seed Dispersal

The seeds are downy and can float long distances via wind.

Native Range

Epilobium ciliatum is native to southern Canada and most of the United States.

Habitat

It grows in moist habitats including stream sides, ditches, ponds, gardens, roadsides, recently cleared areas, and wasteland.