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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.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Stems deĀcumbent to ascending, up to about 6 inches long.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Pink , PurpleBloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: CA , ID , NV , ORNative Distribution: CA Sierras from Tulare & Inyo to Modoc Cos., n. & e. to NV, e. OR & ID
Native Habitat: Dry, alpine & subalpine ridges & flats; 7000 to 13,000 ft.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Description: Sandy, rocky soil.
Propagation
Description: Propagate by root division or seed.Commercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FACU |
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Epilobium obcordatum in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Epilobium obcordatum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Epilobium obcordatum
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-08Research By: TWC Staff