River Beauty
Epilobium latifolium

Family: Onagraceae

What it is like

Epilobium latifolium is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.4

Where it is found

River gravels, margins of streams and damp slopes.

N. Europe to Northern N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Young shoots - cooked. Used like asparagus. Very poor quality. Young leaves - raw. They become bitter with age. A good source of vitamins A and C. Flower stalks - raw or cooked. Eaten when the flowers are in bud. The dried leaves are used as a tea substitute. The core of mature stems is eaten raw. Slightly sweet, tender and pleasant tasting. Very fiddly though.

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The entire plant is used in Tibetan medicine, it is said to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency. Analgesic, antidote, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, antirheumatic and febrifuge, it is used in the treatment of fevers and inflammations, plus also itching pimples.

Analgesic: Relieves pain.

Antidote: Counters poisoning.

Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.

Antipruritic: Treats itching of the skin.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Other

Rating: 1

Attractive flowers.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

How it is grown

Prefers a well-drained but moisture retentive soil in a sunny position. Succeeds in most soils. The roots are somewhat spreading and the plant can become invasive. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 7 through 3. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures. Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat. The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C). At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days). For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a runner spreading indefinitely by rhizomes or stolons. The root pattern is fibrous dividing into a large number of fine roots.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in situ or as soon as the seed is ripe. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Chamaenerion latifolium. (L.)T.Fries.&Lance.