Details
Emerges
May
Seed collection
Flowers
July, August
Pink
Purple
September
Height
90
-
180
cm
Lifecycle
Perennial
Width
-
cm
Habit
Forbs
Spreading
Rhizomatous
Ecology
Supports
Bees
Butterflies & Moths
Hummingbirds
Beneficial insects
Providing
Larval host plant
Nectar source
The name fireweed stems from its ability to rapidly colonize areas burned by fire.
Habitat
Typically found in
open woods, mountain meadows, disturbed areas
In the Garden
Growing Conditions
Moisture
Average
Moist
Wet
Light
Full sun
Part sun
Part shade
Soil
Average garden soil
Propagation
Via
Rhizomatous
Seeds
Sowing Recommendations
Direct sow seeds
Fall planting
Low or difficult germination
Landscape
Use for:
Winter interest
Naturalization
Mass planting
Growing Tips
Fireweed seed germination requires cold stratification for 30-60 days, followed by sowing seeds on the surface of moist soil and providing bright, indirect light.
It reproduces readily from rhizomes as well as from seed, so fireweed can quickly take over a garden if left unattended.
Description
Fireweed is a tall showy wildflower that grows from sea level to the subalpine zone. A colorful sight in many parts of the country, fireweed thrives in open meadows, along streams, roadsides, and forest edges. In some places, this species is so abundant that it can carpet entire meadows with brilliant pink flowers.