Epilobium strictum, commonly known as Downy Willowherb, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to wet meadows, streambanks, moist forest clearings, bogs and marshes across the Northeastern USA and Eastern Canada. This plant typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of about 2 feet (0.6 meters). Downy Willowherb has a bushy form with lance-shaped leaves and bears clusters of small, four-petaled flowers that are white to pink, blooming from mid-summer to early fall. The flowers are modest in size but can be quite numerous, creating a delicate display.

Downy Willowherb is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used to stabilize soil in riparian restoration projects. It is also appreciated for its extended flowering period and for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. In garden settings, it is suitable for rain gardens, water features, and naturalized areas. While it prefers consistently moist to wet soils, it is adaptable to a range of light conditions from full sun to full shade. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread vigorously by rhizomes and self-seeding, potentially becoming aggressive in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0