Onagraceae

Epilobium densiflorum

Dense-Flowered Willowherb

Stem erect, sometimes branched in inflorescence. Leaves opposite, narrow, lance-shaped, 1/2–2 in. long; upper leaves hairy, sessile, becoming shorter, wider, alternate. Inflorescence with many leaves and spikes of many flowers, sometimes sticky with glands. Flower petals pink to rose-purple, deeply lobed, less than 1/2 in. long. Seed has no dandelion like fluff. Grows at all elevations in dry soils that were moist in spring. Similar E. torreyi, brook spike-primrose, with sharply pointed seedpods and also without dandelion fluff attached to the seed, grows in the Columbia River Gorge and on Steens Mountain.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: Mid Summer
• Life Cycle: Annual
• Height: 6--40 inches
• Habitat: Vernal Wet, Meadow, Disturbed, Moist Riverbanks, Shrub-Steppe
• Found In: Siskiyous, Wallowas, Mt. Rainier Np, West Gorge, Steens
• Native: Yes