Epilobium hornemannii, commonly known as Hornemann’s willowherb, is a perennial herb that is native to Subarctic Eurasia, Subarctic and Temp. America. It is typically found in moist, well-drained soils in alpine meadows, tundra, and open, rocky areas. This species is well-adapted to cold climates and plays a significant ecological role in its native habitats, often colonizing areas disturbed by natural events such as landslides or glacial retreat.

Hornemann’s willowherb grows to a modest height of 4-24 inches (10-60 cm), with a clumping habit. It produces showy pink to purple flowers from midsummer to early fall, which are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plant’s resilience to cold and ability to thrive in challenging alpine conditions make it a valuable species for restoration projects and naturalistic plantings in similar environments. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist soil and can tolerate partial shade, though it prefers full sun. While not commonly used in traditional gardens, it can be a unique addition to rock gardens or wildflower meadows where its habitat can be mimicked.

Hornemann’s willowherb is generally low-maintenance, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is not well-drained. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems. Due to its specialized habitat requirements, it is not considered invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0