Duration: Perennial

Nativity: Native

Lifeform: Subshrub

General: Herbaceous perennial with stems erect 15-50 cm tall, pilose, upper stem partially glandular.

Leaves: Opposite, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, 6-17 mm wide usually fascicled, acuminate at the apex, attenuate to rounded at base, sessile, denticulate, lateral veins distinctly visible; margins entire to denticulate.

Flowers: Spicate inflorescence, hypanthium 20-30 mm long, globose at base, narrowing to tube, 4 erect sepals, lanceolate, 8-10 mm long; petals 2-cleft, scarlet, 8-15 mm long, tube bearing 8 appendages within, 4 erect and 4 deflexed.

Fruits: Capsule, 15-20 mm long, often curved.

Ecology: Found on dry slopes to wet soils from 4,000-7,000 ft (1372-2134 m); flowers June-October.

Notes: The tall slender stems and opposite leaves will make you think Penstemon, but pay attention to the way the flowers attach, especially with their different ovary. There are two subspecies: subsp. latifolium and subsp. angustifolium. The former is more widespread through the intermountain west, while the latter has been collected in many fewer locations. They are not well distinguished in the literature, so a collection is recommended. This description is drawn primarily from prior descriptions of subsp. latifolium.

Ethnobotany: Used for infected sores, for fever in children, as a general remedy, for urinary problems, hemorrhages, as a cathartic, kidney troubles, tuberculosis, syphilis, and sucked for the nectar.

Etymology: Epilobium comes from Greek epi, meaning upon and lobos, meaning a pod or capsule, while canum means off-white, or ashy.

Synonyms: None

Editor: SBuckley, 2010