Plant Profile

Cinnamon Willow Herb - (Epilobium coloratum) is an herbaceous perennial in the willowherb family (Onagraceae) and is native throughout large portions of the Northeast and Central US. The plant is a rhizomatous perennial wildflower that is easy to grow in full sun to partial shade, high organic matter, and well-drained soil. It can be found in a variety of areas, including roadsides, clearings, ravines, fields, pastures, along streams and open woods.  Willow Herbs are related to the family of Fireweeds which derive their name from its propensity to be the first plants to appear after fires. So if you have disturbed ground that stays decently moist, you will likely find this pioneer species popping up. It will spread by both seeds and rhizomes, creating large patches that may be classified as weedy in a home landscape setting.

As such, consider planting it in informal areas of the landscape, including meadows or woodland gardens, in borders, or massed in rock or cottage gardens.  To encourage more blooming remove spent flowers before they go to seed.  Propagation can be accomplished through division in the spring or fall.  As well as producing edible stems, flowers, and leaves, this plant has many other uses.  Fibers obtained from the stems can be used to make cords and ropes.  The seed hairs that are cotton like are used as stuffing or as tinder for a fire.  

Cinnamon Willow Herb is often used in naturalized and woodland areas. Along with borders or groups in pollinator and cottage gardens.