Square-stemmed willowherb (Epilobium tetragonum, Sp. Pl.: 348 (1753))

Family: Onagraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 348 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Epilobium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Europe, Medit. to C. Asia and W. Himalaya

Description

Square-stemmed willowherb, scientifically named Epilobium tetragonum, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Onagraceae family. First described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, also known simply as L., this plant has since gained recognition for its distinctive features and wide distribution.

Square-stemmed willowherb thrives in a variety of climates and regions, from the remote islands of Macaronesia to the diverse landscapes of Europe. Its presence extends through the Mediterranean zone, stretches into Central Asia, and reaches the western Himalayas. This broad distribution speaks to the plant’s remarkable adaptability and resilience across different environmental conditions.

Botanically, the plant is easily identified by its characteristic square-shaped stems, which set it apart from other members of the Epilobium genus. These squared stems, along with its vibrant, slender leaves and delicate flowers, make it a notable specimen among wild flora. The flowers typically manifest in hues of pink or purple, contributing to the plant’s aesthetic appeal and its role in local ecosystems as a source of nectar for pollinators.

In its natural habitat, Square-stemmed willowherb often occupies moist and disturbed sites such as riverbanks, meadows, and roadside verges. This preference for such environments underscores its ecological role in stabilizing soil and providing habitat for a range of insect species.

Historically, the Square-stemmed willowherb has been documented through various botanical studies and observations, solidifying its place in the historical and scientific records. Its resilience and adaptability make it an interesting subject for ongoing research, particularly in understanding plant adaptation mechanisms and the impact of climatic changes on biogeographical distributions.

In summary, the Square-stemmed willowherb is a notable plant species with a rich botanical history and significant ecological presence across multiple regions. Its unique morphological traits and broad habitat range highlight its importance within the Onagraceae family and contribute to its ongoing study and conservation.

Common Names

Spa: adelfilla de rizos
Dan: kantet dueurt
Deu: vierkantiges weidenröschen, vierkantiges weidenröschen (i. w. s.), vierkantiges weidenrüschen
Fra: epilobe à tige carrée, épilobe à quatre angles, épilobe à tige carrée
Swe: kantdunört, särmähorsma, fyrkantad dunört, kantig dunört
Nld: kantige basterdwederik
Nno: kantmjølke
Nob: kantmjølke
Eng: square-stemmed willowherb, square-stalked willowherb, southern willow-herb, square-stemmed willow-herb
Fin: särmähorsma
Cym: helyglys paladr pedrongl, helyglys pedrongl, helyglys pedronglog
En: Square-stemmed willowherb, Square-stalked Willowherb, Southern Willow-Herb, Square-Stemmed Willow-Herb
Be: Скрыпень чатырохгранны
Ca: Epilobi tetràgon
Kw: Helygles korsen bedrek
Cs: Vrbovka čtyřhranná
Da: Kantet dueurt
Nl: Kantige basterdwederik
Et: Laskuvalehine pajulill
Fi: Särmähorsma
Fr: Epilobe à tige carrée, Épilobe à quatre angles, Épilobe à tige carrée, Épilobe à tiges carrées, Épilobe à tiges quadrangulaires
De: Vierkantiges Weidenröschen, Vierkantiges Weidenrüschen, Vierkantiges Weidenröschen (i. w. S.)
He: ערברבה מרובעת
Hu: Négyélű füzike
It: Garofanino quadrelletto
Lt: Keturbriaunė ožkarožė
Nb: Kantmjølke
Nn: Kantmjølke
Fa: بید علفی چهارگوش
Pl: Wierzbownica czworoboczna
Es: Adelfilla de rizos, Epibolio de cuatro lados
Sv: Kantdunört, Särmähorsma, Fyrkantad dunört, Kantig dunört
Cy: Helyglys pedronglog, Helyglys Paladr Pedrongl, Helyglys Pedrongl

Synonyms

• Epilobium glabellum var. tetragonum ((L.) Maiden & Betche)
• Chamaenerion tetragonum ((L.) Scop.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Free State (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kriti (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Lesotho (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Assam (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Chile South (introduced)
• Crozet Is. (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Kerguelen (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by Marie Fraquet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2021 by de souza Dayane Luciene (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Nobleza Del Campo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2019 by Dabien (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Rosalyn Jones (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 4, 2020 by Ugoline Jacquot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2020 by Lindsey-Anne Bridges (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2019 by Vojtěch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2020 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2020 by Jean Marshall (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 23, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Classe De Cycle 3 ECOLE D’ARRENS-MARSOUS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Anani LOGOSSA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2020 by Antje Felderer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2022 by Tim Vincent (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 8, 2022 by stéphane COLLE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2022 by Else Nolden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2012 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2022 by Else Nolden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2020 by Kelly Jennings (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 21, 2018 by Sheppard Wolf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 20, 2022 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2016 by Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2020 by benedicte Suzuki (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Chloe M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Chloe M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Thomas CASSIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2021 by sala zerr (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:612378-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7322563)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Epilobium tetragonum L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 6

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Soil nutriments: 6