• A close-up of Chamaenerion angustifolium (Fireweed) flowers, showing vivid pink-purple petals and prominent white and dark pink stamens. The intricate details of the pollen-covered anthers and delicate veins in the petals are highlighted against a soft green background.
  • A tall spike of Chamaenerion angustifolium (Fireweed) with multiple pink flowers arranged along the stem, growing among grasses and other vegetation. The sunlight accentuates the bright blooms, making them stand out against the green background.
  • A dense patch of Chamaenerion angustifolium (Fireweed) in its autumn phase, with slender leaves turning shades of red, orange, and yellow. The plants grow beneath aspen trees, creating a striking contrast between the warm foliage and the cool, gray tree trunks.
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Wild About Flowers

Chamaenerion angustifolium - Fireweed

Chamaenerion angustifolium - Fireweed

$5.50 CAD
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Fireweed is a tall, fast-spreading perennial known for its striking spikes of magenta-pink flowers that brighten roadsides, meadows, and disturbed areas from mid-summer into fall. Its narrow leaves turn vivid shades of red and orange in autumn, adding four-season interest to wild landscapes. A valuable pollinator plant, Fireweed offers abundant nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while also playing a key role in post-disturbance regeneration.

This vigorous colonizer spreads aggressively through deep rhizomes and wind-dispersed seeds, making it best suited to rural landscapes, large meadows, or reclamation sites rather than small, controlled gardens. It thrives in well-drained soils and is commonly found in disturbed areas, forest edges, meadows, roadsides, and recently burned foothill and montane zones. While not highly palatable, young shoots may be browsed occasionally in spring; mature plants are typically avoided due to their coarse texture and bitter compounds.

Consider River Beauty (Chamaenerion latifolium) as a less aggressive alternative for smaller or more managed spaces.

Bloom Times & Plant Sizes

Important Information - The "Bloom Period" is an indicator of the time period within which the wildflowers will bloom and does not describe the time period that a single plant will bloom.  The "Sizes" listed are intended to be a general guideline to consult during plant selection. - Plant growth and bloom times will vary depending on geographical location & individual site conditions.

Edible & Medicinal Info Disclaimer

The Edible & Medicinal information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be acted on without thorough research and professional guidance. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of or misidentification of plants.

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Plant Specifics

Seeds Per Pack

Seeds Per Package: 25

Light Conditions

  • Sun
  • Part Shade
  • Shade

Soil Conditions

  • Well Drained
  • Loam
  • Sandy
  • Gravelly
  • Seasonally Moist

Height

  • 36" - 48"
  • 48" +

Width

  • Spreading

Bloom Colour

  • Pink

Month of Bloom

  • June
  • July
  • August
  • Septemeber

Vigorousness

  • Very Aggressive

Deer Resistance

  • Moderate

Features

  • Birds
  • Bees
  • Butterflies
  • Long Bloom Time
  • Fall Color
  • Rural Spaces
  • Medicinal Properties
  • Edible Parts

Chinook Exposure

  • Fully Exposed

Distribution Info

Native across much of North America, Fireweed is found across all provinces and territories of Canada and into some U.S. States.

Traditional Edible & Medicinal Info

Chamaenerion angustifolium is both edible and medicinal, the young shoots and leaves are edible and were traditionally eaten raw, or cooked. The flowers are commonly used to make Fireweed jelly, syrup, and honey infusions and both flowers and leaves are used in herbal teas to treat inflammation, colds, and digestive issues.