Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Chamerion angustifolium var. canescens (Fireweed)

Kingdom Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants

Class Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons

Subclass Rosidae

Order Myrtales

Family Onagraceae – Evening Primrose family

Genus Chamerion Raf. ex Holub – fireweed

Species Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub – fireweed

Subspecies Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub ssp. circumvagum (Mosquin) Hoch – fireweed

Fireweed is known as a pioneer plant because it is one of the first flowers to move in after a fire or clear cut renders the ground bare. When its reclamation work is done, it dies out once conifers and other forest species fill in.

It is common to see large patches reaching up to 10’ among brambles.

Fireweed is found across North America and is extremely hardy, USDA zones 1-9.

The flower spikes open from the bottom up and can be subtle rose pink to vibrant magenta in color.

After bloom has finished, the seed pods open to release white fluffy substance designed to let the wind carry the seeds to new areas, thus spreading the species. In the garden, the spent flower stems can be cut back to the foliage where new, smaller flower stems will grow up to give a second bloom.

This is not a difficult flower to grow given adequate sunlight and plenty of space to grow. Adding a handful of wood ash in the planting hole is a tradition among old time gardeners and the plants seem to thrive on it.

Fireweed is a great source for honey.