nature of your neighborhood logo

Fireweed

Pink spires of flowers bloom at tops of tall, erect, leafy stems with narrow willow-like leaves. Fireweed often grows in spectacular dense patches, and though attractive, it is aggressive in a moist garden, spreading from persistent underground stems. The seeds are dispersed far and wide by long, white, silky hairs. Bees value it as a source of nectar, and the very young shoots and leaves can be eaten as cooked greens. Recent work at the genetic level has shown that Chamerion, recognized by its alternate leaves, is distinct from Epilobium (with leaves opposite, at least near base), the genus in which Fireweed was formerly placed. Description from wildflower.org

Home  >  Plant Guide  >  

Fireweed

Fireweed fast facts

Scientific Name

Epilobium angustifolium

Family

Onagraceae

Garden Type

Rain Garden Appropriate, Anywhere

Wildlife

Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Native Plant Region

Western WA, PNW, North America

Light needs

Filtered, Full Sun

Water Needs

Medium

Plant Type

Flowering, Perennial

Bloom Color(s)

Pink

Height

5 – 10 feet

Width

0 – 1, 1 – 2 feet

Months in Bloom

July, August

Safe Beneath Power Lines?

Yes
Fireweed

Have feedback on this plant listing?

We’d like to maintain accurate and robust plant listings. If you see information that is not correct or that could be added to improve the listing, please let us know. Or if you’d like to suggest a plant to add to our plant guide, you can use this form do so. Thank you!

Start Nurturing Your Neighborhood Today

fern
Community

The Nature of Capitol Hill

Despite the urban character and the high population density, a surprising diversity of life exists in Capitol Hill. Explore a few physical aspects of our urban ecosystems and meet some of its more-than-human residents.

READ MORE
Varied Thrush by Tania Simpson
Community

Urban Birding in Capitol Hill

Take a virtual trip across Capitol Hill to learn about urban habitat types, how to identify the unique birds they support, and what we can do to make the neighborhood a safer place for them to live.

READ MORE