Fireweed
Chamaenerion angustifolium
(also known as Great willowherb, Rosebay willow-weed, Blooming sally, Bombweed, Chamerion angustifolium, Epilobium angustifolium)
zones 3-6
100 seeds
Fireweed is a classic wildflower of the west, and an essential plant with a wide variety of survival uses. The plants are tall, averaging 4-6 feet high, and a spike of up to 50 or more dark pink flowers blooms atop the stems from June to September. Each flower is perched at the end of a long cylindrical pod bearing hundreds of tiny seeds. Seeds have a tuft of silky hairs at the end, which helps disperse them when mature.
Fireweed is often found where land has become barren, and the common name “Fireweed” comes from its tendency to be the first plant to emerge from burned forests. It is a reliable soil builder with an ability to rebuild soil structure, improve nutrient uptake, and increase fertility. Fireweed is very tolerant of poor soils and can be a good pioneer species for difficult areas. Note that once established, plants will spread extensively by underground roots and form large colonies. Plant where it will be welcome to roam and not a nuisance!
Fireweed has medicinal and edible uses, and is foraged by wildlife (including honeybees) and livestock.
The ideal planting time for Fireweed is in early fall, to allow germination and growth before winter, or late fall before the snowfall for a dormant seeding. Select an area with full to partial sunlight. To prepare the garden area, smooth out the top of the soil without packing it down firmly. Mix the tiny Fireweed seeds with sand, then gently cast the seed across the area and pat it gently into the prepared area. Sprinkle lightly and keep the area moist until plants are well established. If using stored seed and planting in spring, keep the seeds in a cold spot during winter months, such as the refrigerator or in an unheated garage.
Chamaenerion angustifolium
(also known as Great willowherb, Rosebay willow-weed, Blooming sally, Bombweed, Chamerion angustifolium, Epilobium angustifolium)
zones 3-6
100 seeds
Fireweed is a classic wildflower of the west, and an essential plant with a wide variety of survival uses. The plants are tall, averaging 4-6 feet high, and a spike of up to 50 or more dark pink flowers blooms atop the stems from June to September. Each flower is perched at the end of a long cylindrical pod bearing hundreds of tiny seeds. Seeds have a tuft of silky hairs at the end, which helps disperse them when mature.
Fireweed is often found where land has become barren, and the common name “Fireweed” comes from its tendency to be the first plant to emerge from burned forests. It is a reliable soil builder with an ability to rebuild soil structure, improve nutrient uptake, and increase fertility. Fireweed is very tolerant of poor soils and can be a good pioneer species for difficult areas. Note that once established, plants will spread extensively by underground roots and form large colonies. Plant where it will be welcome to roam and not a nuisance!
Fireweed has medicinal and edible uses, and is foraged by wildlife (including honeybees) and livestock.
The ideal planting time for Fireweed is in early fall, to allow germination and growth before winter, or late fall before the snowfall for a dormant seeding. Select an area with full to partial sunlight. To prepare the garden area, smooth out the top of the soil without packing it down firmly. Mix the tiny Fireweed seeds with sand, then gently cast the seed across the area and pat it gently into the prepared area. Sprinkle lightly and keep the area moist until plants are well established. If using stored seed and planting in spring, keep the seeds in a cold spot during winter months, such as the refrigerator or in an unheated garage.
Chamaenerion angustifolium
(also known as Great willowherb, Rosebay willow-weed, Blooming sally, Bombweed, Chamerion angustifolium, Epilobium angustifolium)
zones 3-6
100 seeds
Fireweed is a classic wildflower of the west, and an essential plant with a wide variety of survival uses. The plants are tall, averaging 4-6 feet high, and a spike of up to 50 or more dark pink flowers blooms atop the stems from June to September. Each flower is perched at the end of a long cylindrical pod bearing hundreds of tiny seeds. Seeds have a tuft of silky hairs at the end, which helps disperse them when mature.
Fireweed is often found where land has become barren, and the common name “Fireweed” comes from its tendency to be the first plant to emerge from burned forests. It is a reliable soil builder with an ability to rebuild soil structure, improve nutrient uptake, and increase fertility. Fireweed is very tolerant of poor soils and can be a good pioneer species for difficult areas. Note that once established, plants will spread extensively by underground roots and form large colonies. Plant where it will be welcome to roam and not a nuisance!
Fireweed has medicinal and edible uses, and is foraged by wildlife (including honeybees) and livestock.
The ideal planting time for Fireweed is in early fall, to allow germination and growth before winter, or late fall before the snowfall for a dormant seeding. Select an area with full to partial sunlight. To prepare the garden area, smooth out the top of the soil without packing it down firmly. Mix the tiny Fireweed seeds with sand, then gently cast the seed across the area and pat it gently into the prepared area. Sprinkle lightly and keep the area moist until plants are well established. If using stored seed and planting in spring, keep the seeds in a cold spot during winter months, such as the refrigerator or in an unheated garage.