Wildflower of the valley
Loose Willowherb
Epilobium laxum
- How easy to find
- Rare — you will see it only in some places
- Flower size
- Small
- Family
- Onagraceae (Evening primrose family)
- Type
- Herb
- Height
- 15–50 cm
- Flower colour
- red
- Flowering
- July to September
About Loose Willowherb
Epilobium laxum is an erect herb of 15 to 50cm height. Stem is usually branched. Leaves are ovate, serrate along the margins. Flowers are bright pink or pale purple. The specific name Laxum means growing loosely refers to the habit of the plant.
Where to find it
- Near the entrance of the valley
- In the middle of the valley
- In the deeper parts of the valley
- Around Hemkund Sahib
Habitat
Moist places and undergrowth of forests.
What the name means
Epilobium: Greek epi + lobos (flower atop the pod); laxum means "loose" or "open".
Don't confuse it with
E. latifolium (sno 17) has broader, showier pink flowers.
