Epilobium latifolium - River Beauty

Family:	Onagraceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.4
Width:	0.4
Synonyms:	Chamaenerion latifolium. (L.)T.Fries.&Lance.
Range:	N. Europe to Northern N. America.

Epilobium latifolium (River Beauty) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.4m and a width of 0.4m . It has a hardness rating of 5and is vunerable to frost.
River Beauty will flower in January. the seeds ripen from February
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees

Soil Information

River Beauty will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
River Beauty prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

River Beauty can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

River gravels, margins of streams and damp slopes[43].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Works within dappled Shade
• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds

Cultivation Details

Prefers a well-drained but moisture retentive soil in a sunny position[200]. Succeeds in most soils[1]. The roots are somewhat spreading and the plant can become invasive[233].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 3/5
Young shoots - cooked. Used like asparagus[85, 105, 172]. Very poor quality[2]. Young leaves - raw[172, 183]. They become bitter with age[85]. A good source of vitamins A and C[257]. Flower stalks - raw or cooked. Eaten when the flowers are in bud[85]. The dried leaves are used as a tea substitute[85, 177, 183]. The core of mature stems is eaten raw. Slightly sweet, tender and pleasant tasting[85, 172]. Very fiddly though[85].

• Flowers -
• Leaves -
• Stem - this often intergrades into leaves.
• Tea - the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
The entire plant is used in Tibetan medicine, it is said to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency[241]. Analgesic, antidote, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, antirheumatic and febrifuge, it is used in the treatment of fevers and inflammations, plus also itching pimples[241].

• Analgesic - Relieves pain.
• Antidote - Counters poisoning.
• Antiinflammatory - Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
• Antipruritic - Treats itching of the skin.
• Antirheumatic - Treats rheumatism.
• Febrifuge - Reduces fevers.

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in situ or as soon as the seed is ripe. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Gray's Manual of Botany.
Fernald. M. L.
Author: Fernald. M. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A bit dated but good and concise flora of the eastern part of N. America.
Date of Publication : 1950

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.