How much sun does Glaucus Willowherb need?

Glaucus Willowherb grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Glaucus Willowherb bloom?

Glaucus Willowherb blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Glaucus Willowherb native?

Glaucus Willowherb (Epilobium glaberrimum) is native to AZ, CA, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Glaucus Willowherb toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Glaucus Willowherb as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Glaucus Willowherb attract?

Glaucus Willowherb draws bees and butterflies.

Is Glaucus Willowherb HOA-friendly?

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

Glaucus Willowherb

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Epilobium glaberrimum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Glaucus Willowherb (Epilobium glaberrimum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Glaucus Willowherb as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, ID, MT and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range

Glaucous willowherb is a compact native perennial with narrow blue-green leaves and delicate pink to purple flowers. It blooms from summer into fall, forming small clumps that work well in mixed plantings or naturalized areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

Can appear weedy or wild to conventional gardeners
May self-seed and spread beyond intended areas
Goes fully dormant in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The long blooming period provides nectar for bees and butterflies throughout summer and fall. Seeds also attract small birds and the foliage may host butterfly larvae.

Common questions

How much sun does Glaucus Willowherb need?: Glaucus Willowherb grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Glaucus Willowherb bloom?: Glaucus Willowherb blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Glaucus Willowherb native?: Glaucus Willowherb (Epilobium glaberrimum) is native to AZ, CA, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Glaucus Willowherb toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Glaucus Willowherb as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Glaucus Willowherb attract?: Glaucus Willowherb draws bees and butterflies.
Is Glaucus Willowherb HOA-friendly?: Glaucus 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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