How much sun does Tall Annual Willowherb need?

Tall Annual Willowherb grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Tall Annual Willowherb bloom?

Tall Annual Willowherb blooms in July, August, September, and October.

Where is Tall Annual Willowherb native?

Tall Annual Willowherb (Epilobium brachycarpum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Tall Annual Willowherb attract?

Tall Annual Willowherb draws bees and butterflies.

Is Tall Annual Willowherb HOA-friendly?

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

Tall Annual Willowherb

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Epilobium brachycarpum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–60" H × 6"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 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 Sonoran Basin and Range

Tall annual willowherb is a native wildflower that grows 1-5 feet tall with small pink or white flowers from summer through fall. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sunny locations and self-sows readily, making it useful for naturalizing areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Tall Annual 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.

Looks weedy and unkempt to most homeowners
Self-sows aggressively and can appear invasive
Dies back completely as annual leaving bare patches

Wildlife value

The long blooming period provides nectar for bees and butterflies from July through October. Seeds also provide food for birds in late fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Tall Annual Willowherb need?: Tall Annual Willowherb grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Tall Annual Willowherb bloom?: Tall Annual Willowherb blooms in July, August, September, and October.
Where is Tall Annual Willowherb native?: Tall Annual Willowherb (Epilobium brachycarpum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Tall Annual Willowherb attract?: Tall Annual Willowherb draws bees and butterflies.
Is Tall Annual Willowherb HOA-friendly?: Tall Annual 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 Tall Annual Willowherb? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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