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Plant Highlight: Epilobium canum
by Brian Kemble
Distribution and family placement
Epilobium canum has a large distribution in California, but it also occurs in other states in the western U.S., as well as southward into Mexico. It is often referred to by the name California fuchsia, and although it belongs to the same family, Onagraceae, the true fuchsias are in a separate genus. It is also sometimes called zauschneria, because its former name was Zauschneria californica, before it was moved into Epilobium.
About the plant
Epilobium canum is a small shrub, with some forms attaining a height of 2 feet or more (60 cm), while others are shorter than this. It has a woody base and many ascending slender stems bearing green, gray or silvery leaves; the silvery sheen seen on many forms is the result of a coating of fine silky hairs. The leaves may be narrow or oval, with a length of up to 1½ inches (3.75 cm). Well established plants can spread widely, with a diameter of 4 or 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 m).
About the flowers and seeds
Whether in the garden or in its native habitats, E. canum is very conspicuous in late summer to fall because of its profusion of bright scarlet to red-orange tubular flowers, which are visited by hummingbirds. In cultivation, there are selections with atypical pink or white flowers. The flower length varies from 1 inch to 2.5 inches (2.5 to 6.35 cm). Though narrowly funnelform for most of their length, the flowers flare outward at their tips, with the 8 pollen-bearing anthers and the central pistil extending beyond. The flower base has a small round swelling, just below the narrowest part of the funnel. This species makes seed capsules that are hairy and have pointed tips, with a length of up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm). The seeds within are shaped like tiny arrowheads from .06 to .09 inch long (1.5 to 2.3 mm), with feathery appendages to aid in wind dispersal.
Plants in cultivation
Epilobium canum is a warm-season grower. By the time it finishes flowering in the fall, it can look straggly, so it can be cut back for the winter, with new shoots arising in the spring. This species has good cold-tolerance, withstanding temperatures down to 10° F (-12° C) or even lower. Once established, it is very drought-tolerant, but in regions with hot summers it will benefit from occasional supplemental water in summer. It flowers best if given a spot with full sun, but it can also be grown in light shade.
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