Tall Annual Willowherb
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
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.
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.
Does Tall Annual Willowherb fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.