prairie wildflower
Rockfringe Willowherb
Epilobium obcordatum
1 of 2Native to California, Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon
California Sierras from Tulare and Inyo to Modoc counties, northern and east to Nevada, eastern Oregon and Idaho
- Light Full sun Sun tolerance
- Moisture Moisture preference
- Zones n/a Cold to heat range
- Bloom Jul–Sep Flowering time
- Height up to 6 in to 15 cm
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A prairie wildflower for full sun. Its red and purple flowers peak in August. At up to 6 in, it tucks into meadows and sunny borders.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
When it blooms
The Rockfringe Willowherb's red and purple flowers bloom July to September, peaking in August. It's a late-summer display.
Rockfringe Willowherb blooms red & purpleFoliage
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- PrairieThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- California, Idaho, Nevada, and OregonUnited States (4): CA, ID, NV, OR. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- California Sierras from Tulare and Inyo to Modoc counties, northern and east to Nevada, eastern Oregon and IdahoThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Full sunHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Soil
- Sandy, rocky soilThe soils it grows in naturally.
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 6 in (to 15 cm)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Jul–SepWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- Red, PurpleThe bloom color, or colors.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.