Cliff willowherb (Epilobium collinum, Fl. Bad. 4: 265 (1826))

Family: Onagraceae

Author: C.C.Gmel.

Bibliography: Fl. Bad. 4: 265 (1826)

Year: 1826

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Epilobium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to W. Siberia

Description

Cliff willowherb, scientifically recognized as Epilobium collinum, is a distinctive member of the Onagraceae family. This delicate plant traces its origin across a geographical expanse extending from Europe to Western Siberia. First described in the seminal botanical work “Flora Badensis” in 1826 by the esteemed botanist C.C. Gmelin, Epilobium collinum is a marvel of regional flora.

The species thrives in rugged environments, often adorning cliffs and rocky habitats with its resilience and beauty. The slender, often erect stems of the Cliff willowherb support narrow, lanceolate leaves that are typically arranged in opposite pairs. During its blooming period, it showcases petite, yet vibrant flowers that range in hues of pink to purple, adding a subtle splash of color to its often stark surroundings.

In its natural habitat, the Cliff willowherb contributes significantly to the local ecosystem. Its flowers attract pollinators, which in turn supports biodiversity. The ability of Epilobium collinum to flourish in less hospitable terrains highlights its adaptability and ecological importance, making it a subject of interest for botanists and naturalists alike.

Whether you’re traversing the European highlands or exploring the vast stretches of Western Siberia, the sight of Epilobium collinum is a gentle reminder of nature’s enduring beauty and tenacity.

Common Names

Deu: hügel-weidenröschen
Swe: backdunört, mäkihorsma
Nno: bergmjølke
Nob: bergmjølke
Fin: mäkihorsma
Lav: pakalnu kazroze
Sme: dievváhorbmá
En: Cliff Willowherb, Hill Willow-herb
Ca: Epilobi col·lí
Nl: Heuvelbasterwederik
Fi: Mäkihorsma
Fr: Épilobe des collines, Épilobe des coteaux
De: Hügel-Weidenröschen, Hügelweidenröschen
It: Garofanino di collina
Lv: Pakalnu kazroze
Se: Dievváhorbmá
Nb: Bergmjølke
Nn: Bergmjølke
Sv: Backdunört, Mäkihorsma
: Cliff willowherb

Synonyms

• Epilobium carpetanum (Willk.)
• Epilobium acinifolium (Rchb. ex Schur)
• Epilobium ebrodunense (Chaix ex Hausskn.)
• Epilobium lapponicum (F.A.Bauer ex Hausskn.)
• Epilobium montanum var. carpetanum ((Willk.) Merino)
• Epilobium montanum subsp. collinum ((C.C.Gmel.) Schübl. & G.Martens)
• Epilobium montanum var. collinum ((C.C.Gmel.) Gren. & Godr.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Italy (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 7, 2019 by Nathan Bouly (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2021 by k.dimitrov d (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 22, 2012 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2021 by k.dimitrov d (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 13, 2021 by Frédéric Faure (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2018 by Carlos Villasante (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2021 by Martine mayor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 22, 2012 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 11, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Luc Gorremans (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3666788)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:611734-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Epilobium collinum C.C.Gmel.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]