Fireweed

Chamerion angustifolia (Fireweed) has a wide native range across western North America, including all of Canada, that grows from sea level to the subalpine zone. It is quick to re-establish after a fire or soil disturbance, hence its common name, Fireweed. Growing wild along roadways, fields, and meadows in its native habitat, it is a resilient plant with narrow green-leaved foliage. It can reach up to 8 feet tall, though it is most commonly found to grow around 3-5 feet tall. Happy in most soil types and a full sun to afternoon shade location, it’s a nice addition to a natural setting or as a background for a rock garden. This important pollinator plant is frequented by bees, beneficial insects, hummingbirds, and butterflies. It is a primary host plant for the white-lined sphinx moth, elephant hawk moth, and the bedstraw hawk moth. Native Americans and herbalists prize Fireweed for its many uses as both food and medicine, and it’s especially prized in honey. Chamerion angustifolia will naturalize and spread by rhizome and seed.