''Epilobium'' is a

genus Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms as well as viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus comes above species and below family. In binomial nom ...

flowering plant Flowering plants are plants that bear flowers and fruits, and form the clade Angiospermae (), commonly called angiosperms. The term "angiosperm" is derived from the Greek words ('container, vessel') and ('seed'), and refers to those plants t ...

s in the

family Family (from la, familia) is a group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its members and of society. Idea ...

Onagraceae, containing about 197

species In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriat ...

. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the

subarctic The subarctic zone is a region in the Northern Hemisphere immediately south of the true Arctic, north of humid continental regions and covering much of Alaska, Canada, Iceland, the north of Scandinavia, Siberia, and the Cairngorms. Genera ...

temperate In geography, the temperate climates of Earth occur in the middle latitudes (23.5° to 66.5° N/S of Equator), which span between the tropics and the polar regions of Earth. These zones generally have wider temperature ranges throughout ...

and subantarctic regions, whereas in the

subtropics The subtropical zones or subtropics are geographical and climate zones to the north and south of the tropics. Geographically part of the temperate zones of both hemispheres, they cover the middle latitudes from to approximately 35° nort ...

and

tropics The tropics are the regions of Earth surrounding the Equator. They are defined in latitude by the Tropic of Cancer in the Northern Hemisphere at N and the Tropic of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere at S. The tropics are also refer ...

''Epilobium'' species are restricted to the cool

montane Montane ecosystems are found on the slopes of mountains. The alpine climate in these regions strongly affects the ecosystem because temperatures fall as elevation increases, causing the ecosystem to stratify. This stratification is a crucial ...

biome A biome () is a biogeographical unit consisting of a biological community that has formed in response to the physical environment in which they are found and a shared regional climate. Biomes may span more than one continent. Biome is a broader ...

s, such as the New Guinea Highlands. The

taxonomy Taxonomy is the practice and science of categorization or classification. A taxonomy (or taxonomical classification) is a scheme of classification, especially a hierarchical classification, in which things are organized into groups or types. ...

of the genus has varied between different

botanist Botany, also called , plant biology or phytology, is the science of plant life and a branch of biology. A botanist, plant scientist or phytologist is a scientist who specialises in this field. The term "botany" comes from the Ancient Greek wo ...

s, but the modern trend is to include the previously recognised genera ''Boisduvalia, Pyrogennema'' and ''Zauschneria'' within ''Epilobium''. '' Chamaenerion'', (previously ''Chamerion''), is considered distinct, however,Wagner & Hoch 009a,b/ref> according to Peter H. Raven, who has extensively studied the willowherbs and merges the other segregate genera into ''Epilobium''. Fringed willowherb ('' Epilobium ciliatum'') is likely a

cryptic species complex In biology, a species complex is a group of closely related organisms that are so similar in appearance and other features that the boundaries between them are often unclear. The taxa in the complex may be able to hybridize readily with each ot ...

; apparently these plants also commonly hybridize with their congeners. Most species are known by the common name willowherbs for their willow-like leaves. Those that were once separated in ''Boisduvalia'' are called spike-primroses or boisduvalias. Those ''Epilobium'' species previously placed in the ''Chamaenerion'' group and known as fireweeds are now segregated into the genus ''Chamaenerion''.

Description

Epilobium canum fruits with comose seeds 2003-01-21

Epilobiums are mostly

herbaceous Herbaceous plants are vascular plants that have no persistent woody stems above ground. This broad category of plants includes many perennials, and nearly all annuals and biennials. Definitions of "herb" and "herbaceous" The fourth edition o ...

plants, either annual or

perennial A perennial plant or simply perennial is a plant that lives more than two years. The term ('' per-'' + '' -ennial'', "through the years") is often used to differentiate a plant from shorter-lived annuals and biennials. The term is also widel ...

; a few are subshrubs. The

leaves A leaf ( : leaves) is any of the principal appendages of a vascular plant stem, usually borne laterally aboveground and specialized for photosynthesis. Leaves are collectively called foliage, as in "autumn foliage", while the leaves, st ...

are opposite or rarely whorled, simple and ovate to lanceolate in shape. The

flower A flower, sometimes known as a bloom or blossom, is the reproductive structure found in flowering plants (plants of the division Angiospermae). The biological function of a flower is to facilitate reproduction, usually by providing a mechanis ...

s are

actinomorphic Floral symmetry describes whether, and how, a flower, in particular its perianth, can be divided into two or more identical or mirror-image parts. Uncommonly, flowers may have no axis of symmetry at all, typically because their parts are spirall ...

(radially symmetrical) with four petals that may be notched. These are usually smallish and pink in most species, but red, orange or yellow in a few. The

fruit In botany, a fruit is the seed-bearing structure in flowering plants that is formed from the ovary after flowering. Fruits are the means by which flowering plants (also known as angiosperms) disseminate their seeds. Edible fruits in partic ...

is a slender cylindrical capsule containing numerous

seed A seed is an embryonic plant enclosed in a protective outer covering, along with a food reserve. The formation of the seed is a part of the process of reproduction in seed plants, the spermatophytes, including the gymnosperm and angiosper ...

s embedded in fine, soft silky fluff which disperses the seeds very effectively in the wind. The genus name derives from the Greek words "epi" meaning "upon" and "lobos" meaning "lobe", with reference to position of the petals above the ovary. A number of ''Epilobium'' species with slightly asymmetrical (

zygomorphic Floral symmetry describes whether, and how, a flower, in particular its perianth, can be divided into two or more identical or mirror-image parts. Uncommonly, flowers may have no axis of symmetry at all, typically because their parts are spirall ...

) magenta flowers and alternate leaves were placed in a ''Chamaenerion'' group, and have been separated by some authorities into the genus ''Chamerion''. However, ''Chamerion'' has not been universally accepted and there is now emerging consensus that this group of species should be segregated into the genus ''Chamaenerion''.

Habitat and ecology

Willowherbs ''sensu lato'' are typically very quick to carpet large swathes of ground and may become key or dominant species of local

ecosystem An ecosystem (or ecological system) consists of all the organisms and the physical environment with which they interact. These biotic and abiotic components are linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows. Energy enters the syst ...

s. In the

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and ...

, for example, rosebay willowherb ('' Chamaenerion angustifolium'') is widely found on

mesotrophic soils Mesotrophic soils are soils with a moderate inherent fertility. An indicator of soil fertility is its base status, which is expressed as a ratio relating the major nutrient cations (calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium) found there to th ...

dominated by false oat-grass (''

Arrhenatherum elatius ''Arrhenatherum elatius'', with the common names bulbous oat grass, false oat-grass, tall oat-grass, tall meadow oat, onion couch and tuber oat-grass, is a species of perennial grass, native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. This bun ...

''), cock's-foot grass ('' Dactylis glomerata''), and red fescue (''

Festuca rubra ''Festuca rubra'' is a species of grass known by the common name red fescue or creeping red fescue. It is widespread across much of the Northern Hemisphere and can tolerate many habitats and climates. It is best adapted to well-drained soils in c ...

''), while great willowherb ('' Epilobium hirsutum'') is found in mesotrophic grassland with stinging nettle ('' Urtica dioica''). These two willowherb species also dominate open habitat early in

ecological succession Ecological succession is the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time. The time scale can be decades (for example, after a wildfire) or more or less. Bacteria allows for the cycling of nutrients such as car ...

, to the virtual exclusion of other plant life. Broad-leaved willowherb ('' Epilobium montanum'') is found characteristically, though not abundantly, in the mesotrophic grasslands with meadowsweet ('' Filipendula ulmaria'') and sometimes the uncommon Greek valerian (''

Polemonium caeruleum ''Polemonium caeruleum'', known as Jacob's-ladder or Greek valerian, is a hardy perennial flowering plant. The plant produces cup-shaped, blue or white flowers. It is native to temperate regions of Europe. Growth The plant usually reaches tall ...

''). Most willowherbs will not tolerate shade trees and thus are limited to more recently disturbed patches, yielding to other plants over time. Consequently, though the genus contains many pioneer plants, rather few of them are invasive weeds of major importance. ''Epilobium'' species are used as food plants by the

caterpillar Caterpillars ( ) are the larval stage of members of the order Lepidoptera (the insect order comprising butterflies and moths). As with most common names, the application of the word is arbitrary, since the larvae of sawflies (suborder Sy ...

s of certain

Lepidoptera Lepidoptera ( ) is an order of insects that includes butterflies and moths (both are called lepidopterans). About 180,000 species of the Lepidoptera are described, in 126 families and 46 superfamilies, 10 percent of the total described speci ...

species, including:

Geometridae The geometer moths are moths belonging to the family Geometridae of the insect order Lepidoptera, the moths and butterflies. Their scientific name derives from the Ancient Greek ''geo'' γεω (derivative form of or "the earth"), and ''metro ...

* Grey pug (''Eupithecia subfuscata''), recorded on several species

Noctuidae The Noctuidae, commonly known as owlet moths, cutworms or armyworms, are a family of moths. They are considered the most controversial family in the superfamily Noctuoidea because many of the clades are constantly changing, along with the other ...

* Mouse moth (''Amphipyra tragopoginis''), recorded on several species * Small angle shades (''Euplexia lucipara''), recorded on several species * Australian grapevine moth (''Phalaenoides glycinae''), recorded on fringed willowherb (''E. ciliatum'') Sphingidae *

Elephant hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor, the elephant hawk moth or large elephant hawk moth, is a moth in the family Sphingidae. Its common name is derived from the caterpillar's resemblance to an elephant's trunk. It is most common in central Europe and is distribut ...

(''Deilephila elpenor''), recorded on several species * Small elephant hawk-moth (''Deilephila porcellus''), recorded on several species * White-lined sphinx (''Hyles lineata''), recorded on several species

Use by humans

The main use of ''Epilobium'' by humans is as a herbal supplement in the treatment of prostate,

bladder The urinary bladder, or simply bladder, is a hollow organ in humans and other vertebrates that stores urine from the kidneys before disposal by urination. In humans the bladder is a distensible organ that sits on the pelvic floor. Urine en ...

(

incontinence Incontinence or Incontinent may refer to: *Fecal incontinence, the involuntary excretion of bowel contents * Urinary incontinence, the involuntary excretion of urine * Lack of moderation or self-control, especially related to sexual desire - see ...

) and

hormone A hormone (from the Greek participle , "setting in motion") is a class of signaling molecules in multicellular organisms that are sent to distant organs by complex biological processes to regulate physiology and behavior. Hormones are required ...

disorders. Many of the small willowherb species are nuisance weeds in

garden A garden is a planned space, usually outdoors, set aside for the cultivation, display, and enjoyment of plants and other forms of nature. The single feature identifying even the wildest wild garden is ''control''. The garden can incorporate bot ...

s. Though few are regularly used as

ornamental plant Ornamental plants or garden plants are plants that are primarily grown for their beauty but also for qualities such as scent or how they shape physical space. Many flowering plants and garden varieties tend to be specially bred cultivars that ...

s, the larger willowherbs may be attractive in ruderal locales. One of the most frequently recognized members of the genus is the

circumboreal The Circumboreal Region in phytogeography is a floristic region within the Holarctic Kingdom in Eurasia and North America, as delineated by such geobotanists as Josias Braun-Blanquet and Armen Takhtajan. It is the largest floristic region in ...

fireweed (''E. angustifolium''), known as rosebay willowherb in the

. It rapidly colonizes burnt ground; during the

bombing of London The Blitz was a German bombing campaign against the United Kingdom in 1940 and 1941, during the Second World War. The term was first used by the British press and originated from the term , the German word meaning 'lightning war'. The Germa ...

World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the World War II by country, vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great power ...

many of the derelict bomb sites were soon covered with these plants, bringing a splash of colour to what was otherwise a very grim scene. It is the floral emblem of

Yukon Yukon (; ; formerly called Yukon Territory and also referred to as the Yukon) is the smallest and westernmost of Canada's three territories. It also is the second-least populated province or territory in Canada, with a population of 43,964 as ...

Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by to ...

, Hedmark in

Norway Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic countries, Nordic country in Northern Europe, the mainland territory of which comprises the western and northernmost portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The remote Arctic island of ...

(where it is called ''geitrams'') and Southern Ostrobothnia in

Finland Finland ( fi, Suomi ; sv, Finland ), officially the Republic of Finland (; ), is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It shares land borders with Sweden to the northwest, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east, with the Gulf of Bot ...

. Fireweed is used as a sweetener in northwestern

North America North America is a continent in the Northern Hemisphere and almost entirely within the Western Hemisphere. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and th ...

. It is put in

candy Candy, also called sweets (British English) or lollies (Australian English, New Zealand English), is a confection that features sugar as a principal ingredient. The category, called ''sugar confectionery'', encompasses any sweet confection, i ...

, jellies,

ice cream Ice cream is a sweetened frozen food typically eaten as a snack or dessert. It may be made from milk or cream and is flavoured with a sweetener, either sugar or an alternative, and a spice, such as cocoa or vanilla, or with fruit such as ...

, syrup, and ''

sxusem Indian ice cream, also known as (pronounced "s-khusem"), is a Canadian whipped confection made from soapberries (''Shepherdia canadensis'') and other various fruits; it has been eaten as a traditional dessert by many First Nations peoples. It ...

'' ("Indian ice cream"). In the late summer its flowers yield

pollen Pollen is a powdery substance produced by seed plants. It consists of pollen grains (highly reduced microgametophytes), which produce male gametes (sperm cells). Pollen grains have a hard coat made of sporopollenin that protects the gametop ...

and copious

nectar Nectar is a sugar-rich liquid produced by plants in glands called nectaries or nectarines, either within the flowers with which it attracts pollinating animals, or by extrafloral nectaries, which provide a nutrient source to animal mutualist ...

which give a rich spicy

honey Honey is a sweet and viscous substance made by several bees, the best-known of which are honey bees. Honey is made and stored to nourish bee colonies. Bees produce honey by gathering and then refining the sugary secretions of plants (primar ...

. Its young leaves, roots, and shoots are edible (if somewhat bitter), and rich in

provitamin A A provitamin is a substance that may be converted within the body to a vitamin. The term previtamin is a synonym. The term "provitamin" is used when it is desirable to label a substance with little or no vitamin activity, but which can be converted ...

and

vitamin C Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid and ascorbate) is a water-soluble vitamin found in citrus and other fruits and vegetables, also sold as a dietary supplement and as a topical 'serum' ingredient to treat melasma (dark pigment spots) ...

. The Dena’ina found them also useful as food supplement for dogs and applied sap from the stem to wounds, believing it to have antiinflammatory properties. Several researchers have studied this taxon.

Heinrich Carl Haussknecht Heinrich Carl Haussknecht (30 November 1838 – 7 July 1903) was a German pharmacist and botanical collector who was a native of Bennungen, Sachsen-Anhalt. Trained as a pharmacist, Haussknecht is remembered for collecting and describing numerou ...

in the late 19th century and Peter H. Raven about a century later researched the

phylogeny A phylogenetic tree (also phylogeny or evolutionary tree Felsenstein J. (2004). ''Inferring Phylogenies'' Sinauer Associates: Sunderland, MA.) is a branching diagram or a tree showing the evolutionary relationships among various biological s ...

systematics Biological systematics is the study of the diversification of living forms, both past and present, and the relationships among living things through time. Relationships are visualized as evolutionary trees (synonyms: cladograms, phylogenetic t ...

, and

of willowherbs.

Peter Michaelis Peter Michaelis (28 May 1900 in Munich – 3 August 1975 in Cologne) was a German plant geneticist who focused most of his research on cytoplasm inheritance and segregation. Most of Michaelis work was carried out during the period from the 1940s ...

' studies of this genus paved the way for understanding of extranuclear inheritance in plants.

Species

The

National Museum of Natural History The National Museum of Natural History is a natural history museum administered by the Smithsonian Institution, located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., United States. It has free admission and is open 364 days a year. In 2021, with 7. ...

recognizes an intermediate number of about 197

in 10 sections, and consider the former section ''Chamaenerion'' (=''Chamerion''), as a distinct genus. Other sources may list one or two dozen species, more or less: Epilobiumbrachycarpum

Section ''Boisduvalia'' * '' Epilobium densiflorum'' – denseflower willowherb, dense spike-primrose, dense boisduvalia * '' Epilobium pallidum'' – largeflower spike-primrose * ''

Epilobium pygmaeum ''Epilobium pygmaeum'' is a species of willowherb known by the common names pygmy willowherb, smooth spike-primrose and smooth boisduvalia. This plant is native to western North America from Baja California to Saskatchewan. It is a resident of ...

''''Epilobium pygmaeum''.
USDA PLANTS. – pygmy willowherb, smooth boisduvalia * ''

Epilobium subdentatum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and ...

'' * ''

Epilobium torreyi ''Epilobium torreyi'' is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the common names Torrey's willowherb and brook spike-primrose. It is native to western North America from British Columbia to California, where it grow ...

'' – Torrey's willowherb, brook spike-primrose Section ''Cordylophorum'' :Subsection ''Nuttalia'' * ''

Epilobium suffruticosum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' – shrubby willowherb :Subsection ''Petrolobium'' * ''

Epilobium nevadense ''Epilobium nevadense'' is a rare and vulnerable species of flowering plant in the willowherb family Onagraceae. It is known from a few scattered populations in mountain ranges in Nevada, Utah, and northwestern Arizona. It grows on talus slope ...

'' – Nevada willowherb * ''

Epilobium nivium ''Epilobium nivium'', commonly known as the Snow Mountain willowherb, is a perennial subshrub endemic to the Coast Range Mountains of Northern California. It was originally described based upon a collection from Snow Mountain. Although first de ...

'' – Snow Mountain willowherb Section ''Crossostigma'' * ''

Epilobium foliosum ''Epilobium foliosum'' is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the common names leafy willowherb and California willowherb. It is native to parts of western North America from British Columbia through California t ...

'' – leafy willowherb, California willowherb * '' Epilobium minutum'' – chaparral willowherb, desert willowherb, smallflower willowherb Section ''Epilobiopsis'' * ''

Epilobium campestre ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family (biology), family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in t ...

'' * ''

Epilobium cleistogamum ''Epilobium cleistogamum'' is a species of willowherb known by the common name selfing willowherb. This plant is endemic to central California where it is a resident of vernal pools and mudflats. It is a small annual plant with fuzzy pointed gre ...

'' – selfing willowherb Section ''Macrocarpa'' * ''

Epilobium rigidum ''Epilobium rigidum'' is an uncommon species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the common names stiff willowherb and Siskiyou Mountains willowherb. It is endemic to the Klamath Mountains of far northern California and ...

'' – stiff willowherb, Siskiyou Mountains willowherb Section ''Xerolobium'' * '' Epilobium brachycarpum'' – tall willowherb, tall annual willowherb, tall fireweed, panicled willowherb Section ''Zauschneria'' * ''

Epilobium canum ''Epilobium canum'', also known as California fuchsia or Zauschneria, is a species of willowherb in the evening primrose family ( Onagraceae).Sierra Nevada Wildflowers, Karen Wiese, 2nd ed., 2013, p99 It is native to dry slopes and in chaparra ...

'' – Zauschneria, California-fuchsia, hummingbird flower, hummingbird trumpet * ''

Epilobium septentrionale ''Epilobium septentrionale'', with the common names Humboldt County fuchsia and northern willowherb, is a species of willowherb. Like the wildflower zauschneria, this plant was once treated as a member of genus ''Zauschneria'' but has more recent ...

'' – northern willowherb, Humboldt County fuchsia Epilobium alpestre 1

Section ''Epilobium'' * '' Epilobium aitchisonii'' * '' Epilobium algidum'' * '' Epilobium alpinum'' * ''

Epilobium alpestre ''Epilobium alpestre'' is a species of willowherb in the family Onagraceae. It is native to Europe and Asia. Distribution and habitat ''Epilobium alpestre'' is present in the Central and Southern Europe (mainly in the Alps) and in Western Asia. ...

'' * '' Epilobium alsinifolium'' – chickweed willowherb * ''

Epilobium alsinoides ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' ** ''Epilobium alsinoides'' ssp. ''alsinoides'' ** ''Epilobium alsinoides'' ssp. ''atriplicifolium'' ** ''Epilobium alsinoides'' ssp. ''tenuipes'' * ''

Epilobium amurense ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and ...

'' ** ''Epilobium amurense'' ssp. ''amurense'' ** ''Epilobium amurense'' ssp. ''cephalostigma'' * ''

Epilobium anagallidifolium ''Epilobium anagallidifolium'' is a species of willowherb known by the common names pimpernel willowherb and alpine willowherb. This small flowering plant has a near-circumboreal distribution and can be found in mountain ranges further south, wh ...

'' – alpine willowherb, pimpernel willowherb * ''

Epilobium anatolicum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' ** ''Epilobium anatolicum'' ssp. ''anatolicum'' ** ''Epilobium anatolicum'' ssp. ''prionophyllum'' * ''

Epilobium angustum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * '' Epilobium arcticum'' – Arctic willowherb * ''

Epilobium astonii ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * ''

Epilobium atlanticum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * '' Epilobium australe'' * ''

Epilobium barbeyanum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * ''

Epilobium billardierianum ''Epilobium billardierianum'', commonly known as the glabrous willow herb or smooth willow herb, is a species in the family Onagraceae that is native to Australia and New Zealand. The species is found in the South West The points of the comp ...

'' – glabrous willowherb ** ''Epilobium billardierianum'' ssp. ''billardierianum'' ** ''Epilobium billardierianum'' ssp. ''cinereum'' ** ''Epilobium billardierianum'' ssp. ''hydrophilum'' ** ''Epilobium billardierianum'' ssp. ''intermedium'' * ''

Epilobium blinii ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * '' Epilobium brevifolium'' ** ''Epilobium brevifolium'' ssp. ''brevifolium'' ** ''Epilobium brevifolium'' ssp. ''trichoneurum'' * ''

Epilobium brevipes ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * ''

Epilobium brevisquamatum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * ''

Epilobium brunnescens ''Epilobium brunnescens'' is a flowering plant belonging to the willowherb genus ''Epilobium'' in the family Onagraceae. It is a small, creeping, perennial plant with white or pale pink flowers. It is native to New Zealand and south-east Austral ...

'' – New Zealand willowherb ** ''Epilobium brunnescens'' ssp. ''beaugleholei'' ** ''Epilobium brunnescens'' ssp. ''brunnescens'' ** ''Epilobium brunnescens'' ssp. ''minutiflorum'' * '' Epilobium capense'' * ''

Epilobium chionanthum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and ...

'' * '' Epilobium chitralense'' * '' Epilobium chlorifolium'' * '' Epilobium ciliatum'' – fringed willowherb, American willowherb * ''

Epilobium clarkeanum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * ''

Epilobium clavatum ''Epilobium clavatum'' is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the common names talus willowherb and clavatefruit willowherb. It is native to western North America from Alaska to northern California to Colorado, w ...

'' – talus willowherb, clavatefruit willowherb * ''

Epilobium collinum ''Epilobium collinum'' is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Onagraceae. Its native range is Europe to Western Siberia Western Siberia or West Siberia (russian: Западная Сибирь, Zapadnaya Sibir'; kk, Бат ...

'' * ''

Epilobium coloratum ''Epilobium coloratum'', known by the common names purpleleaf willowherb and cinnamon willow-herb, is a species of flowering plant in the genus ''Epilobium'' of the willowherb family Onagraceae. This species is native to the Midwest and Eastern U ...

'' – purpleleaf willowherb * '' Epilobium confertifolium'' * '' Epilobium confusum'' * '' Epilobium conjungens'' * ''

Epilobium crassum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

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Epilobium curtisiae ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and ...

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Epilobium cylindricum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and ...

'' * '' Epilobium davuricum'' – Daurian willowherb * ''

Epilobium densifolium ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * '' Epilobium denticulatum'' * ''

Epilobium detzneranum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

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Epilobium duriaei ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and ...

'' * '' Epilobium fangii'' * '' Epilobium fastigiatoramosum'' * ''

Epilobium fauriei ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

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Epilobium forbesii ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and ...

'' * '' Epilobium fragile'' * ''

Epilobium frigidum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * '' Epilobium fugitivum'' * ''

Epilobium gemmascens ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * '' Epilobium glabellum'' – smooth spike-primrose * '' Epilobium glaberrimum'' – glaucous willowherb * '' Epilobium glaciale'' * ''

Epilobium glaucum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

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Epilobium gouldii ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and ...

'' * '' Epilobium gracilipes'' * ''

Epilobium griffithianum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * '' Epilobium gunnianum'' * '' Epilobium halleanum'' – glandular willowherb * ''

Epilobium hectorii ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and ...

'' * '' Epilobium hirsutum'' – great willowherb, great hairy willowherb, hairy willowherb, codlins-and-cream, apple-pie, cherry-pie * '' Epilobium hirtigerum'' * ''

Epilobium hohuanense ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * '' Epilobium hooglandii'' * '' Epilobium hornemannii'' – Hornemann's willowherb ** ''Epilobium hornemannii'' ssp. ''behringianum'' ** ''Epilobium hornemannii'' ssp. ''hornemannii'' * ''

Epilobium howellii ''Epilobium howellii'' is an uncommon species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the common names Yuba Pass willowherb and subalpine fireweed (though it is not a true fireweed). It is endemic to the High Sierra Nevada ...

'' – Yuba Pass willowherb, subalpine fireweed * '' Epilobium indicum'' * '' Epilobium insulare'' * '' Epilobium kermodei'' * ''

Epilobium keysseri ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

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Epilobium kingdonii ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and ...

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Epilobium komarovianum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' – bronzy willowherb * '' Epilobium lactiflorum'' – milkflower willowherb, whiteflower willowherb * ''

Epilobium lanceolatum ''Epilobium lanceolatum'', the spear-leaved willowherb, is a species in the genus ''Epilobium'', belonging to the Onagraceae The Onagraceae are a family of flowering plants known as the willowherb family or evening primrose family. They includ ...

'' – spear-leaved willowherb * ''

Epilobium laxum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * '' Epilobium leiophyllum'' * '' Epilobium leptocarpum'' – slenderfruit willowherb * ''

Epilobium leptophyllum ''Epilobium leptophyllum'' is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the common names bog willowherb and linear-leaved willowherb. It is native to much of eastern and northern North America, where it grows in moist ...

'' – bog willowherb, linear-leaved willowherb * '' Epilobium luteum'' – yellow willowherb * ''

Epilobium macropus ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * '' Epilobium margaretiae'' * ''

Epilobium matthewsii ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * '' Epilobium maysillesii'' * ''

Epilobium melanocaulon ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

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Epilobium microphyllum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and ...

'' * '' Epilobium minutiflorum'' * ''

Epilobium mirabile ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' – Olympic Mountain willowherb * '' Epilobium montanum'' – broad-leaved willowherb * ''

Epilobium nankotaizanense ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' – Nankotaizan willowherb * ''

Epilobium nerteroides ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * '' Epilobium nivale'' * '' Epilobium nummulariifolium'' * '' Epilobium nutans'' * ''

Epilobium obcordatum ''Epilobium obcordatum'' is a species of perennial plant in the evening-primrose family ( Onagraceae), known by the common name rockfringe willowherb and rock fringe. It is native to the western United States from California to Idaho, where i ...

'' – rockfringe willowherb * '' Epilobium obscurum'' – dwarf willowherb, short-fruited willowherb * ''

Epilobium oreganum ''Epilobium oreganum'' is an uncommon species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the common names Grants Pass willowherb and Oregon fireweed (though it is not a true fireweed). It is native to southern Oregon and northe ...

'' – Grants Pass willowherb, Oregon fireweed * ''

Epilobium oregonense ''Epilobium oregonense'' is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the common name Oregon willowherb. It is native to western North America from British Columbia to Arizona, where it generally grows in moist places ...

'' – Oregon willowherb * '' Epilobium pallidiflorum'' * ''

Epilobium palustre ''Epilobium palustre'' is a species of willowherb known by the common name marsh willowherb. This plant has a circumboreal distribution, and can be found farther south in mountainous areas. Description This is a hairy perennial growing spindly s ...

'' – marsh willowherb * '' Epilobium pannosum'' * '' Epilobium parviflorum'' – small-flowered willowherb, hoary willowherb * '' Epilobium pedicellare'' * '' Epilobium pedunculare'' – rockery willowherb * ''

Epilobium pengii ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and ...

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Epilobium pernitens ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

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Epilobium perpusillum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

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Epilobium petraeum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * '' Epilobium pictum'' * ''

Epilobium platystigmatosum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * '' Epilobium ponticum'' * ''

Epilobium porphyrium ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * '' Epilobium prostratum'' * ''

Epilobium psilotum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

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Epilobium pubens ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

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Epilobium puberulum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and ...

'' * '' Epilobium purpuratum'' * '' Epilobium pycnostachyum'' * '' Epilobium pyrricholophum'' * '' Epilobium rechingeri'' * '' Epilobium rhynchospermum'' * ''

Epilobium roseum ''Epilobium roseum'' is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Onagraceae The Onagraceae are a family of flowering plants known as the willowherb family or evening primrose family. They include about 650 species of herbs, shrubs, ...

'' – pale willowherb ** ''Epilobium roseum'' ssp. ''consimile'' ** ''Epilobium roseum'' ssp. ''roseum'' ** ''Epilobium roseum'' ssp. ''subsessile'' * '' Epilobium rostratum'' * '' Epilobium rotundifolium'' * '' Epilobium royleanum'' * ''

Epilobium rupicolum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * '' Epilobium salignum'' * '' Epilobium sarmentaceum'' * ''

Epilobium saximontanum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' – Rocky Mountain willowherb * '' Epilobium sikkimense'' * '' Epilobium sinense'' * ''

Epilobium siskiyouense ''Epilobium siskiyouense'' is a rare species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the common names Siskiyou willowherb and Siskiyou fireweed (though it is not a true fireweed). Distribution The plant is endemic to the ...

'' – Siskiyou willowherb, Siskiyou fireweed * ''

Epilobium smithii ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and ...

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Epilobium staintonii ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family (biology), family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in t ...

'' * '' Epilobium stereophyllum'' * '' Epilobium stracheyanum'' * '' Epilobium strictum'' – downy willowherb, stiff spike-primrose * '' Epilobium subalgidum'' * ''

Epilobium subcoriaceum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

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Epilobium subnivale ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and ...

'' * '' Epilobium taiwanianum'' * ''

Epilobium tasmanicum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

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Epilobium tetragonum ''Epilobium tetragonum'', commonly known as the square stalked willow herb, is a species of flowering plant in the willowherb family Onagraceae. The erect perennial herb typically grows to a height of and can have several stems. It blooms bet ...

'' – square-stemmed willowherb ** ''Epilobium tetragonum'' ssp. ''lamyi'' ** ''Epilobium tetragonum'' ssp. ''tetragonum'' ** ''Epilobium tetragonum'' ssp. ''tournefortii'' * ''

Epilobium tianschanicum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

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Epilobium tibetanum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

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Epilobium trichophyllum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

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Epilobium vernonicum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * '' Epilobium wallichianum'' * '' Epilobium warakense'' * ''

Epilobium wattianum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and ...

'' * '' Epilobium williamsii'' * ''

Epilobium willisii ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

'' * '' Epilobium wilsonii'' * '' Epilobium × wisconsinense'' – Wisconsin willowherb (=''E. ciliatum'' ssp. ''ciliatum'' × ''E. coloratum'') Epilobium fleischeri - Fleischers Weideröschen blühend 2

Epilobium fleischeri - Fleischers Weideröschen blühend 2

former ''Chamaenerion'' group

The following species are now segregated into the genus '' Chamaenerion'' Ség. The generic name ''Chamaenerion'' is preferred to ''Chamerion''.) Section ''Chamaenerion'' * '' Epilobium angustifolium'' * ''

Epilobium conspersum ''Epilobium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropi ...

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Epilobium latifolium ''Chamaenerion latifolium'' (formerly ''Epilobium latifolium'', also called ''Chamerion latifolium'') is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the English common names dwarf fireweed and river beauty willowherb. It ...

'' * '' Epilobium speciosum'' Section ''Rosmarinifolium'' * '' Epilobium colchicum'' * '' Epilobium dodonaei'' * '' Epilobium fleischeri'' * '' Epilobium stevenii''

Formerly placed here

* ''

Stylidium tenellum ''Stylidium tenellum'' is a dicotyledonous plant that belongs to the genus ''Stylidium'' (family Stylidiaceae). It is an annual plant that grows from 5 to 27 cm tall. The obovate or elliptical leaves, about 6-14 per plant, are scattered alon ...

'' (as ''E. tonkinense'') It is possible to distinguish between leaves of different ''Epilobium'' species using high-accuracy FT-IR method based on attenuated total reflection (ATR) without time-consuming preparation.Krajšek, S., Buh, P., Zega, A., Kreft, S. (2008). Identification of herbarium whole-leaf samples of ''Epilobium'' species by ATR-IR spectroscopy. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 5:310-31
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cbdv.200890028/abstract;jsessionid=46F30B7C6B30DADFBD57A4789993E047.f01t02
/ref>

Footnotes

References

* Bleeker, Walter; Schmitz, Ulf & Ristow, Michael (2007): Interspecific hybridisation between alien and native plant species in Germany and its consequences for native biodiversity. ''Biological Conservation'' 137 (2): 248-253. (HTML abstract, appendix reserved for subscribers) * Steenkamp, V; Gouws, M.C; Gulumian, M; Elgorashi, E.E. & van Stade, J. (2006): Studies on antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of herbal remedies used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis. ''Journal of Ethnopharmacology'' 103 (1): 71–75.
PDF fulltext
* * * Wagner, W.L. & Hoch, P.C. 009b Evening Primrose Family website &ndash
''Epilobium''
Retrieved 2009-JAN-26. {{Taxonbar, from=Q157637 Onagraceae genera Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus