Onagraceae / Chamaenerion angustifolium / Fireweed

There is an Alaskan saying that, “When the weed turns to cotton, summer is forgotten”. In our early romps in the woods, we were always similarly taught that the blooming of the first Fireweed marks the beginning of Summer and that once the final flowers began to wither, fall was then upon us.

This showy plant grows from 1-6’ and is often very strongly colonial. We frequently encounter locations with hundreds if not thousands of plants growing closely together. The leaves are generally alternate, lanceolate, and with conspicuous white main veins; one of the best ways to identify it in the early stages. In addition to these bold central veins, it has a fascinating veining pattern which see the secondary veins looping forward and linking just before touching the leaf margins. The raceme inflorescence is loaded with showy rose to lilac-purple flowers and generally canescent (grayish-white hairs). Petals entire. Stamens white with blue-gray pollen. Stigma strongly exserted and four-lobed. Check that lady out! Fruit is a thin, 2-3” long capsule; splitting at maturity, releasing the small wooly-tufted 1-2mm seeds to disperse in the wind. (Thayer 2023)

The name Fireweed comes from its tendency to come back rapidly after disturbance such as wildfire. Attractive to bees, it has a reputation for making excellent honey.

For humans, nearly the entire plant is used for edible purposes. While sometimes considered slightly bitter, we use the young shoots and leaves as a delicious vegetable, often eating them raw in the field. The leaves have a great reputation for making an excellent tea, reminiscent of Black Tea but with a slightly fruity profile and minus the caffeine. Fermentation of the leaves can further enhance the taste.