Scientific Family
Onagraceae
Other common names
slender willow herb
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
To 4 feet
Riparian
Yes
Clumping; exceeding 4 feet in height. Veined lance-shaped leaves up to 6 inches long toward base of plant. Foliage, stem and inflorescence covered in bristly hairs.
Leaf veins conspicuous; stem with rosette or fleshy shoot; seed ridged.
Habitat
Wetlands and wet disturbed areas.
Plant Community
Riparian
Low elevation
100
High elevation
4600
Flower Characteristics
Petals have a few lengthwise darker veins & deep notch at the tip. The flower contains a ring of 8 thin purple stamens, topped by light-colored anthers attached at the midpoint. At the center is a white, club-like stigma, similar in height to the anther.
Flower color
Light purple, pink to white
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves over 4 inches long, in opposite pairs along the stem, on short stalks. They have small, somewhat irregular teeth along the edges, with wide, light-colored midvein and prominent side veins. Stems have bristly hairs.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Bright green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Narrow 4-chamber capsule up to 4 inches long which may be held on long stalk.
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Brown
Rigid and downy and can float long distances in wind.