River Beauty
Epilobium latifolium
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Pl. 9161 — Epilobium latifolium
Epilobium latifoliumEpilobium latifoliumEpilobium latifoliumEpilobium latifoliumEpilobium latifoliumEpilobium latifoliumEpilobium latifoliumEpilobium latifoliumEpilobium latifoliumEpilobium latifoliumEpilobium latifoliumEpilobium latifoliumEpilobium latifoliumEpilobium latifolium
IOverview
Overview
River Beauty (Epilobium latifolium) is a perennial plant native to regions spanning from Alaska and Asia to Europe and North America. It thrives in moist conditions and prefers light to medium soil types, making it adaptable to various environments. Known for its edible parts—flowers, leaves, shoots, and stems—it has been utilized as a food source across its wide-ranging habitat. This plant is particularly hardy, tolerating temperatures from zones 4-8. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow in full or partial sun, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is River Beauty?
River Beauty (Epilobium latifolium) is a perennial plant native to regions spanning from Alaska and Asia to Europe and North America. It thrives in moist conditions and prefers light to medium soil types, making it adaptable to various environments.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
River Beauty prefers full to partial sun and thrives in moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in hardiness zones 4-8 and can reach a height of 0.4 meters as a perennial. For propagation, use seeds or division. This plant is native to regions like Afghanistan, Alaska, Albania, and Alberta, making it adaptable to various temperate climates.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.4 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow River Beauty for the first time
8steps
River Beauty is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that's perfect for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with light to partial sun and well-draining soil. Amend the soil with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in early spring, covering them lightly. Alternatively, plant young plants directly into the garden or containers.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for any signs of pests or diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially during hot weather. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged stems.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesShootsStem
Edible uses: Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe15 regions
native (15)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandRussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia5 regions
native (5)AfghanistanBangladeshChinaIranIraq
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Altay, Amur, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, East Himalaya, Føroyar
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 9161c119-47ae-4968-9e38-4542ab5ea98d
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