Square-Stemmed Willow Herb
Epilobium tetragonumfam. Onagraceae
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Pl. 0DD6 — Epilobium tetragonum
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IOverview
Overview
Square-Stemmed Willow Herb (Epilobium tetragonum) is a perennial plant known for its light and airy presence in various European and North African habitats, including Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and other regions. This herb thrives in moist, well-drained soils ranging from light sandy to heavy clay, with an optimal pH of 7-7.5. Its square stems are a distinctive feature, setting it apart from its relatives. Native to parts of Europe and North Africa, Square-Stemmed Willow Herb is both edible and ornamental, with leaves being the primary part used for culinary purposes.
Quick answers
What is Square-Stemmed Willow Herb?
Square-Stemmed Willow Herb (Epilobium tetragonum) is a perennial plant known for its light and airy presence in various European and North African habitats, including Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and other regions.
What is Square-Stemmed Willow Herb used for?
Traditionally used for topical & skin, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Square-Stemmed Willow Herb
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- This herb has been traditionally used in topical applications to support skin health, particularly for minor irritations and wounds. It is often prepared as a poultice or salve.
The mechanism by which Epilobium tetragonum supports skin health is not fully characterised but may involve anti-inflammatory compounds such as flavonoids and tannins.
- Square-Stemmed Willow Herb has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support digestive health, often prepared as a tea. It is believed to help with occasional indigestion and bloating.
The mechanism by which Epilobium tetragonum supports digestion is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that soothe the gastrointestinal tract.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Square-Stemmed Willow Herb support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Square-Stemmed Willow Herb thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7–7.5. It is a perennial that grows to about 0.6 meters tall and requires full sun to partial shade. For cultivation, the plant can be propagated through seeds or division. Given its native range in temperate regions, it is hardy but may benefit from protection in colder climates. Harvest leaves for edible use.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Square-Stemmed Willow Herb for the first time
8steps
Square-Stemmed Willow Herb is a straightforward perennial for beginners, requiring minimal care once established.
- 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 location with moist, well-draining soil. Ensure containers are at least 15 cm deep with good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost is past, or start indoors and transplant young plants outdoors when they have several sets of leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Monitor for pests and diseases, treating if necessary.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and promote new growth. Harvest leaves as needed for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, neglecting to deadhead, and planting in too sunny a location are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The Square-Stemmed Willow Herb is edible and its leaves are typically consumed fresh or dried. The leaves can be added to salads for a mild flavor or used in teas to infuse a light taste. They are often picked from the plant when it is still young and tender.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe21 regions
native (21)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenUnited Kingdom
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Onagraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Onagraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
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XII
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