How much sun does Marsh Willowherb need?

Marsh Willowherb grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Marsh Willowherb bloom?

Marsh Willowherb blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Marsh Willowherb native?

Marsh Willowherb (Epilobium palustre) is native to CA, CO, CT, ID and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Marsh Willowherb attract?

Marsh Willowherb draws bees and flies.

Is Marsh Willowherb HOA-friendly?

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

Marsh Willowherb

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Epilobium palustre

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Marsh Willowherb (Epilobium palustre) 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

full sun

Water

high

Size

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

CA, CO, CT, ID and 17 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

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 452 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

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Northern Forests Acadian Plains and Hills Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Marsh willowherb is a native perennial that produces small pink flowers from July through September. This moisture-loving plant grows in clumps and thrives in consistently wet soils, making it ideal for rain gardens or naturally boggy areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Marsh 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.

Requires consistently wet conditions that may look swampy
Can spread aggressively in ideal conditions
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare patches

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract bees and flies for pollination. Seeds provide food for birds in fall and winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Marsh Willowherb need?: Marsh Willowherb grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Marsh Willowherb bloom?: Marsh Willowherb blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Marsh Willowherb native?: Marsh Willowherb (Epilobium palustre) is native to CA, CO, CT, ID and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Marsh Willowherb attract?: Marsh Willowherb draws bees and flies.
Is Marsh Willowherb HOA-friendly?: Marsh 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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