Epilobium palustre aka Marsh Willowherb

Epilobium palustre, or marsh willowherb, belongs to the Onagraceae family. It is native to Britain and Ireland. Its wider range spans Europe, temperate Asia, and North America. In Europe, it reaches north to Iceland and Lapland. It also grows in Greenland and across much of Canada. Asian records include Japan, Korea, China, and parts of Russia. Records also extend into India, Nepal, and Pakistan. This gives the species a broad range across northern regions.

Marsh willowherb is a perennial that reaches about 1.3 feet [0.4 metres]. Its natural sites include marshes, acid fens, and ditches. These habitats help explain its need for moist soil. The supplied species account gives little detail about its form. It does not describe the leaves, stems, flowers, or fruit. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees pollinate the flowers, but the evidence gives no flowering dates. No mature width is given for garden plants.

Choose a sunny spot with soil that holds moisture. The plant can also grow in light shade. Plants For A Future recommends soil that drains well. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The same source lists mildly acid and neutral conditions as suitable. It also calls for lime-free soil, so avoid limy ground. A bog garden is one suggested setting for this species. Its wetland habitat does not mean it needs standing water. The supplied sources give no hardiness zone or cold limit.

Raise plants from seed or divide established clumps. Sow seed where plants will grow in early spring. Another option is to sow once the seed ripens. Divide clumps in spring or autumn. Large divisions can go straight into their final site. Pot up small divisions and keep them in a cold frame. Let them root well before planting them out in spring. Plants For A Future describes division as very easy. Its entry does not flag this species as a weed.

The leaves and young shoots can be eaten cooked. Plants For A Future gives its food value one out of five. It lists no known medicinal or other uses. It also reports no known hazards. That statement does not establish safety for every person or pet. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases.