creeps along the damp stream banks

Size
Height: 5-15 cm, Spread: up to 0.5 m
Lifespan
Perennial
Diet
Photosynthetic. Obtains nutrients from moist soils.
Habitat
Damp forests, stream banks, wetlands, and grasslands. Prefers moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates moderate shade.
Range
Native to New Zealand, Australia, New Guinea, and South America. Found throughout the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
No significant threats. Wetland drainage may reduce habitat in some areas.
Population
Common throughout New Zealand. Also found in Australia, New Guinea, and South America. Not threatened.
Conservation Status
data_deficient
Human Risk
harmless
Handling Note
native ground cover, safe to handle
Conservation Note
Endemic herb; data insufficient for full threat classification.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
Epilobium nummulariifolium has no recognised Māori name. It grows in damp forests and wetlands areas rich in resources for Māori. The plant would have been known but not distinctively named.
Low spreading quietly everywhere once you notice it. Epilobium nummulariifolium creeping willowherb is one of those plants that blends into the background. It does not shout. It does not demand attention. It creeps across the ground forming a dense mat of small round leaves. The leaves are round bright green with a pale vein. They are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. The stems creep along the ground rooting at nodes. The flowers are small pale pink or white with four petals. They appear in summer. Epilobium nummulariifolium grows in damp forests along stream banks in wetlands in grasslands. It likes moisture. It tolerates shade. The name nummulariifolium means coin-leaved. The leaves are round like coins. The creeping willowherb is native to New Zealand and other southern lands. It is a cosmopolitan of the damp ground. In gardens Epilobium nummulariifolium is valued as a ground cover for damp shady areas. It grows under trees. It fills gaps. It is not aggressive. The plant is not threatened. It is common. It is widespread. Creeping willowherb is a reminder. The quiet plants are everywhere once you notice them. Low. Spreading. Green. Persistent.