Epilobium luteum

Yellow Willow-herb

Yellow Willow-herb
aka Yellow Fireweed. This beautiful plant, 12 – 24 inches (30 – 60 cm) in height, is unique for its soft primrose yellow flowers. Of the seventeen willow-herb species in the park this is the only one that is yellow; most are pink-flowered except for the White Willow-herb (E. lactiflorum) which can also be pinkish. A distinguishing feature is the creamy 4-lobed pistil which is much longer than the 8 stamens. The flowers have 4 slightly notched petals which never fully open. Usually found near streams, seeps and in meadows at elevations to 6,500′.

Family:

Onagraceae - EVENING-PRIMROSE FAMILY

Genus:

Epilobium from Greek epi 'upon' and lobos 'a pod'

Species:

luteum means 'yellow'
Photo location: From two locations, along the Van Trump Park trail and the crossing of Edith Creek on the Skyline Trail (Golden Gate).