Habitat and Range
Fireweed grows in areas cleared by fire but more frequently you will find it growing in moist meadows or on creeksides. This plant is common throughout the Sierra Nevada up to 11,000 ft.
Physical Description
Fireweed is a conspicuous wild plant usually rising above and colorfully standing out above its neighbors at maturity. The young pencil-thick perennial leafs out terminally and bears its lanceolate leaves. The leaf has two distinguishing marginal veins running parallel to the main vein that intersect the lateral leaf veins. The pink inflorescence is a raceme containing a perfect dichogamous* flower structure. *The pollen-producing stamens show a couple days before the pistils of the same flower. The stigma of each pistil has 4 lobes that usually curl backward. The fruit is a seed pod 40-100 mm in length and can be found below other flowers in the maturing raceme. From bottom to top, the inflorescence in the picture shows the fruit, flowers and buds. Blooms from July through September.
Food Uses
The young plant can be picked and eaten raw or cooked. They stems and leaves contain high quantities of Vitamin C and beta-carotene (like carrots). Peel the stem to reveal its inner core which can be chewed for a tougher snack.
NOTE: Fireweed has historically been used by natives for tying cordage (making rope). The product is made from the stems, and is pretty strong. It's great for tying nets and baskets and moderately stong for a primitive fire- bow setup.
Medicinal Uses
A leaf and/or flower tea can be made which has been helpful in battling whooping cough and asthma as it has antispasmodic qualities. The root can be made into an astringent and antiseptic poultice for surface wounds like burns and cuts.
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