Purpleleaf Willowherb
Epilobium coloratum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Epilobium coloratum (Purpleleaf Willowherb) is a native forb found across much of eastern and central North America. It blooms from June through September with small pink flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Purpleleaf Willowherb as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Purpleleaf willowherb is a native perennial with slender stems and small pink to purple flowers that bloom from summer into fall. The foliage often develops attractive purplish tints, especially in cooler weather. It forms modest colonies through underground runners but remains well-behaved in garden settings.
Growing Purpleleaf Willowherb
Grow Purpleleaf Willowherb in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Purpleleaf 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.
- Small flowers and thin stems create informal wildflower appearance
- Can look weedy or unkempt to unfamiliar observers
- Common name includes 'weed' which may cause concern
Wildlife value
The small flowers attract native bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season. Seeds provide food for songbirds in late fall and winter.
Common questions
- Where is Purpleleaf Willowherb native?
- Epilobium coloratum is native to 43 states across eastern and central North America, from Maine to Georgia and west to North Dakota, Kansas, and Texas.
- When does Purpleleaf Willowherb bloom?
- This wildflower blooms from June through September, producing small pink flowers throughout the summer and early fall months.
- What pollinators visit Epilobium coloratum?
- Purpleleaf Willowherb attracts bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers during its extended blooming period.
- What growing conditions does Purpleleaf Willowherb prefer?
- This adaptable native plant tolerates full sun to partial shade and grows best in medium to moist soil conditions.
- Is Purpleleaf Willowherb toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Purpleleaf Willowherb as toxic to livestock.
- Is Purpleleaf Willowherb HOA-friendly?
- Purpleleaf 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 Purpleleaf Willowherb? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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