Epilobium latifolium
A circumpolar arctic–alpine perennial in the evening primrose family with pink flowers, native to Arctic North America and Eurasia, thriving in moist gravelly or sandy riverine habitats up to about 4500 m, spreading by rhizomes, and used as an Inuit food source.
Common Names
River Beauty, Dwarf Fireweed, Broadleaf Willowherb
Summary
River Beauty is a dwarf, rhizomatous perennial forming clumps with erect to ascending stems 5–30 cm tall, woody at the base, with circumboreal distribution across northern regions and natural habitat along moist river gravels and damp slopes, bearing pink to rose, four-petaled flowers.
In cultivation, it prefers sun to partial shade and consistently moist soils that are well-drained or moisture-retentive, tolerating alkaline to acidic conditions; propagation is by seed sown in early spring or by division and can spread via spreading roots, with wind-dispersed seeds promoting rapid spread, so deadheading seed capsules is advised to prevent unmanaged spread; valued for ornamental appeal near water and for attracting bees.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
2-12 inches
Spread
16 inches
Hardiness Zones
Zones 4-8
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally full sun; tolerates partial shade.
Soil Type
Moist, well-drained, gravelly soil
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Mildly acidic, neutral, or mildly alkaline soils, wide pH range, no specific pH.
Bloom Color
Pink to purple
Bloom Time
Summer (June-September)
Foliage Color
Dark green upper foliage with pale undersides, glaucous
Growth Rate
Fast
Seasons of Interest
Summer and Fall
Propagation Methods
Seeds, Division, Cuttings
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts hummingbirds, attracts butterflies
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- L.
- Publication
- Sp. Pl. : 347 (1753)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Myrtales
- Family
- Onagraceae
- Genus
- Epilobium
Synonyms
Chamaenerion halimifolium Chamaenerion latifolium Chamaenerion latifolium var. megalobum Chamaenerion latifolium var. parviflora Chamaenerion subdentatum Chamerion latifolium Epilobium changaicum Epilobium corymbosum Epilobium frigidum Epilobium glaucum Epilobium grandiflorum Epilobium halleri Epilobium humile Epilobium kamtschaticum Epilobium kesamitsui Epilobium latifolium var. albiflorum Epilobium latifolium var. album Epilobium latifolium subsp. leucanthum Epilobium latifolium f. leucanthum Epilobium latifolium var. tetrapetalum Epilobium rhexiiflorum Epilobium venustum Epilobium latifolium f. latifolium Epilobium latifolium subsp. latifolium Chamaenerion latifolium var. parviflorum Chamaenerion latifolium var. grandiflorum Chamerion subdentatum Epilobium latifolium f. munzii Epilobium pauciflorum