Chickweed willowherb (Epilobium alsinifolium, Prosp. Hist. Pl. Dauphiné: 45 (1779))

Family: Onagraceae

Author: Vill.

Bibliography: Prosp. Hist. Pl. Dauphiné: 45 (1779)

Year: 1779

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Epilobium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Greenland to Europe

Description

Chickweed willowherb, scientifically named Epilobium alsinifolium, is a delightful and resilient member of the Onagraceae family. This botanical gem was first described and classified by the celebrated botanist Villars in his influential work “Prosp. Hist. Pl. Dauphiné” in 1779, marking its place in the annals of botanical history.

Thriving across a diverse range of regions, Chickweed willowherb can be found from the frigid expanses of Greenland to the temperate landscapes of Europe. Its widespread presence across these varied climates speaks to its hardiness and adaptability.

Epilobium alsinifolium is known for its delicate appearance and vibrant flowers, which add a touch of elegance to the wild terrains it inhabits. It typically grows in moisture-rich environments, often flourishing along the banks of streams and in damp meadowlands, where its roots can draw ample nourishment from the fertile soil.

The plant’s slender stems and graceful leaves are reminiscent of chickweed, hence its common name, while its willowherb lineage is reflected in its overall structure and growth habits. This charming plant not only contributes to the ecological diversity of its habitats but also plays a role in supporting local pollinators, thanks to its nectar-rich blossoms.

In the botanical world, Chickweed willowherb stands as a testament to the beauty and diversity of the natural world, bridging the icy reaches of Greenland with the verdant pastures of Europe, and enriching the landscape with its understated elegance and vital presence.

Common Names

Deu: mierenblättriges weidenröschen
Fin: hetehorsma
Swe: hetehorsma, källdunört
Nob: kildemjølke
Nno: kjeldemjølke
Eng: chickweed willowherb
Cym: helyglys dail gwlydd, helyglys gwlyddyn-ddail
En: Chickweed Willowherb
Bg: Мишовколистна върбовка
Ca: Epilobi alsinifolí
Cs: Vrbovka žabincolistá
Fi: Hetehorsma
Fr: Épilobe à feuilles d’alsine
De: Mierenblättriges Weidenröschen, Mieren-Weidenröschen
Is: Lindadúnurt
It: Garofanino basilichino
No: Kjeldemjølke
Nb: Kildemjølke
Nn: Kjeldemjølke
Sv: Källdunört, Hetehorsma
Uk: Зніт алсинолистий
Cy: Helyglys dail gwlydd, Helyglys Gwlyddyn-Ddail

Synonyms

• Epilobium stefanescui (Floriano)
• Epilobium sandorii (Barla)
• Epilobium alpinum var. alsinifolium ((Vill.) Bolzon)
• Epilobium alsinifolium subsp. parviflorum (Gančev)
• Epilobium schmidtii (Flörke ex Hausskn.)
• Epilobium balansae (Boiss.)
• Epilobium fontanum (Chaix ex Hausskn.)
• Epilobium alatum (Hegetschw.)
• Epilobium brandzai (Floriano)
• Epilobium riphaeum (Tausch ex Hausskn.)
• Epilobium nitidum (Saut.)
• Epilobium anceps (Fr.)
• Epilobium pauciflorum (Dulac)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Føroyar (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 7, 2002 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2020 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 7, 2002 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2002 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2002 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2002 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2002 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2002 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2002 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 30, 2022 by Marc Solà (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2022 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 1980 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2019 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2019 by Paul Henrich (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 22, 2011 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 19, 2020 by Romyosotis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2018 by Jean-Philippe Michot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2017 by Francois ROBIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2002 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3189158)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:611599-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Epilobium alsinifolium Vill.)

Specifications

Growth