Plant Database

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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Epilobium obcordatum

Epilobium obcordatum A. Gray

Rockfringe

Onagraceae (Evening Primrose Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: EPOB

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

A low, clumped, mat-forming perennial with 2-6 in. creeping stems. A matted plant with a short creeping stem and, in upper leaf axils, deep pink flowers seemingly too large for plant and often hiding foliage. These stems, with willow-like leaves, are smothered with showy, four-petaled, rose-purple flowers from mid- to late-summer.

Most Epilobium species are tall, but this, like many other alpine plants, is low and compact, which protects it from the drying mountain winds and freezing temperatures.