When does American Willowherb bloom?

Epilobium ciliatum blooms from June through September, producing small pink to white flowers that attract pollinators.

What pollinators visit American Willowherb?

American Willowherb attracts bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers during its long blooming period.

Where is American Willowherb native?

Epilobium ciliatum is native to most US states, from coast to coast, including western states like California and Washington, central states like Kansas and Colorado, and eastern states like Maine and Florida.

What growing conditions does American Willowherb prefer?

This adaptable plant tolerates full sun to partial shade and prefers medium to high moisture levels in the soil.

Is American Willowherb HOA-friendly?

American Willowherb takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

American Willowherb

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Epilobium ciliatum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Epilobium ciliatum (American Willowherb) is a native forb found across most US states that blooms from June through September with small pink flowers. This adaptable plant thrives in moist soils and attracts bees and butterflies.

American Willowherb (Epilobium ciliatum) — Photo: (c) Jon Sullivan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jon Sullivan

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–48" H × 6"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 38 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Sonoran Basin and Range

American willowherb is a native perennial with narrow leaves and small pink to purple flowers that bloom from summer into fall. It forms loose colonies through underground runners and adapts well to partially shaded, moist areas where many other natives struggle.

Growing American Willowherb

Grow American Willowherb in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 6 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Willowherb takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Spreads aggressively and can look weedy
May be perceived as too wild or uncontrolled
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare patches

Wildlife value

The flowers attract various bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season. Seeds provide food for birds, and the plant serves as a host for some moth caterpillars.

Common questions

When does American Willowherb bloom?: Epilobium ciliatum blooms from June through September, producing small pink to white flowers that attract pollinators.
What pollinators visit American Willowherb?: American Willowherb attracts bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers during its long blooming period.
Where is American Willowherb native?: Epilobium ciliatum is native to most US states, from coast to coast, including western states like California and Washington, central states like Kansas and Colorado, and eastern states like Maine and Florida.
What growing conditions does American Willowherb prefer?: This adaptable plant tolerates full sun to partial shade and prefers medium to high moisture levels in the soil.
Is American Willowherb HOA-friendly?: American Willowherb takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow American Willowherb? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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