Fireweed
Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) is a perennial that grows over one meter (1-3m) in height. It is often one of the first plants to establish after a forest fire or after a clearcut.
- Roots grow horizontally and stems grow up from buds at ground level.
- Stems are usually unbranched, but have alternate lanceolate leaves all the way to the base of the inflorescence.
- Many leaves are on the stems and are deeply veined on the underside.
- Many pink-rose flowers grow near the top of the stem.
- The flowers are simple, but very showy.
- All photos by the author:
- Long green capsules form after flowering.
- Fluffy seeds are scattered by late summer winds.
- Fireweed grows in openings at middle to subalpine areas and is often prolific in burned or disturbed areas and in forest glades.
- Fireweed has been used by Indigenous people as a food source and for other practical uses.
We have some fireweed growing at the back of our perennial beds but we have to be careful to pull out roots that creep into the other areas. We also pull all the seedheads off the plant in late summer to avoid invasive starts. We scatter the seedpods or fluff on open hillsides instead. Nevertheless, fireweed is a welcome sight while out hiking or at the height of the flowering period in summer.
just wanted to let you know that i think these are beautiful pictures. thank you for taking the time to post them.
it is so uplifting to see the flowers of spring.