Latin Name:

Epilobium angustifolium

Common Name(s):

Fireweed, Rosebay Willowherb, Willowweed, Great Willowherb, Blooming Sally, Bay Willow

Family Name:

Evening Primrose

Size:

2-10 feet tall

Flower Size:

0.5 to 1.5 inches long

Flower Shape:

Elongated Cluster, 3-6 Petaled

Color(s):

Pink/Lavender ()

Description:

Many rose pink flowers clustered on tall stalks, alternate lance-shaped leaves. Flowers have 4 sepals, 4 petals, and 4 lobed stigma.

Tidbits:

Fireweed earned its name by its tenacious ability to very quickly grow in areas devastated by fire. It is found throughout the entire North American continent. The flowers bloom successively up the stalk, letting it have a very long bloom season. Honey made by Fireweed-pollinating bees is said to be exceptional, and apiarists are known to follow recently (5 years) logged areas to gather Fireweed induced honey.

Ecology:

Roadsides, burned areas, disturbed areas. Cannot tolerate shade.

Blooming Season:

June-September

Related Flowers:

Willow Herbs, Herald-Of-Summer, Evening Primrose

Similar Flowers: