How much sun does Hornemann's Willowherb need?

Hornemann's Willowherb grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Hornemann's Willowherb bloom?

Hornemann's Willowherb blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Hornemann's Willowherb native?

Hornemann's Willowherb (Epilobium hornemannii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 11 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Hornemann's Willowherb attract?

Hornemann's Willowherb draws bees and butterflies.

Is Hornemann's Willowherb HOA-friendly?

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

Hornemann's Willowherb

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Epilobium hornemannii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Hornemann's Willowherb (Epilobium hornemannii) 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.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 11 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 445 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 Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Northwestern Great Plains Northeastern Highlands

Hornemann's willowherb is a modest perennial that forms compact clumps with narrow leaves and small pink to purple flowers. This native wildflower blooms through summer months and thrives in partially shaded locations with moderate moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hornemann's 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.

Appears weedy and unstructured
May be confused with invasive willowherbs
Unknown dormancy appearance creates uncertainty

Wildlife value

The summer flowers provide nectar for native bees and butterflies. As a member of the evening primrose family, it supports various native pollinators during its extended bloom period.

Common questions

How much sun does Hornemann's Willowherb need?: Hornemann's Willowherb grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Hornemann's Willowherb bloom?: Hornemann's Willowherb blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Hornemann's Willowherb native?: Hornemann's Willowherb (Epilobium hornemannii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 11 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Hornemann's Willowherb attract?: Hornemann's Willowherb draws bees and butterflies.
Is Hornemann's Willowherb HOA-friendly?: Hornemann's 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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