Hairy willow herb
(Epilobium hirsutum)
A semi-aquatic perennial herb that grows 3-6’ tall, with fine, soft hairs covering the entire plant. Stems are tall and branching. Grows in open, moist habitats.
Overview
Other names for this plant include:- Common names: codlins and cream, European fireweed, great willow herb.
- It forms dense, monotypic stands that can be found in open riparian areas along streams, ditch banks, wetlands and moist waste places.
- It can be found in undisturbed natural areas due to the seed easily spreading by wind, water or transported by humans or animals.
Classification in Wisconsin: Prohibited/Restricted (Restricted in Brown, Calumet, Door, Kenosha, Kewaunee, and Manitowoc counties; Prohibited elsewhere).
Species Assessment Groups (SAG) were assembled to recommend a legal classification for each species considered for NR 40. The recommendation for hairy willowherb was based upon this literature review [PDF] developed by the department.
Identification
Leaves: Opposite and stalkless, with sharply toothed edges and a prominent central vein. They are oblong-lance shaped, 2-5" long and widest below the mid-point.
Flowers: Numerous, 0.75" wide, rose-colored flowers arise from the leaf axils. Each flower has 4 notched petals, 4 sepals and a white four-lobed stigma rising above the bloom. Blooms in mid-late summer.
Fruits & seeds: Fruit is a 2-3" long, tubular capsule, containing many small, oblong, flattened seeds, each with a tuft of silky white hairs that aids in wind dispersal.
Roots: Large root system with branching rhizomes that grow up to 2' long.
Similar species: Native fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) can be distinguished from hairy willow herb by its alternate leaves and multiple stalked flowers arranged in a terminal raceme.
Control
Mechanical: Hand pull or dig, removing all plant parts. Mowing within 3 weeks of flowering can effectively eliminate annual seed production. Avoid control measures once the seed has matured.
Chemical: Foliar spray a broad-spectrum herbicide that is able to translocate into roots and rhizomes, such as glyphosate or imazapyr.
Photos
View hairy willow herb pictures in our photo gallery!
Resources
Sources for content:- Czarapata, Elizabeth; Invasive Plants of the Upper Midwest: an illustrated guide to their identification and control. University of Wisconsin Press. 2005. Pg. 135
- Invasive Plant Atlas of New England: Hairy willow-herb [exit DNR].