Chamaenerion angustifolium

Common Names:

• Fireweed
• Willow Herb

Phonetic Spelling:

kam-ay-NER-ee-on an-gus-tih-FOH-lee-um

Description:

• Appearance: A tall, herbaceous perennial with spikes of showy pink flowers that bloom from late summer to fall.
• Leaves: Narrow, willow-like leaves.
• Flowers: Bright pink to purple flowers in long spikes.
• Fruits: Slender, cylindrical seed pods.

Distribution/Location:

Native to temperate regions of North America, thriving in open areas, especially after wildfires.

Environmental Benefits:

One of the first plants to colonize after wildfires, stabilizing soil and providing nectar for pollinators.

Fun Fact:

Fireweed gets its name because it quickly appears after forest fires and helps restore the land.