The native range of the species includes North Africa, most of Europe up to southern Sweden,[6] and parts of Asia.

It typically grows in wet or damp habitats without dense tree-cover up to 2,500 metres above sea-level.

The flowers are visited by many types of insects, and can be characterized by a generalized pollination syndrome.

[7] A number of insects feed on the leaves including the elephant hawkmoth, Deilephila elpenor.

Epilobium hirsutum inhabits damp and waste places, river-sides and ditches.