Grants Pass willowherb facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Grants Pass willowherb
Scientific classification
Genus:	Epilobium
Species:	oreganum
Synonyms
Epilobium exaltatum

Epilobium oreganum is a special kind of flowering plant that is quite rare. It belongs to the evening primrose family. People often call it Grants Pass willowherb or Oregon fireweed. Even though it's called "fireweed," it's not exactly the same as the more common fireweed plants you might know.

This plant naturally grows in southern Oregon and northern California. It used to be found mostly in the Klamath Mountains. Today, it's only confirmed to live in Josephine County, Oregon, and Trinity County, California. It likes to grow in wet, spongy areas called bogs, especially where the soil is a unique type called serpentine soil.

What is Oregon Fireweed?

The scientific name for this plant is Epilobium oreganum. It's a type of perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years. It can grow up to about one meter (or about three feet) tall. Its stems are thin and don't have much hair on them.

What Does it Look Like?

The leaves of the Oregon fireweed are shaped like ovals or narrow spearheads. They can be up to 9 centimeters (about 3.5 inches) long and often have red veins.

The plant's flowers grow in clusters. Each flower has pretty pink petals that are a little over one centimeter long. You might also notice a part called the pistil sticking out from the center of the flower. After the flowers bloom, the plant produces a fruit. This fruit is a hairy, sticky capsule that can be up to 4.5 centimeters (about 1.7 inches) long.

Where Does it Grow?

Oregon fireweed is considered an uncommon species. This means it's not found in many places. It prefers very specific habitats, like the boggy areas with serpentine soils in southern Oregon and northern California. Serpentine soil is a special type of soil that comes from certain rocks and has a unique mix of minerals. These conditions are perfect for this particular plant.