Fireweed
Chamaenerion angustifolium (syn. Epilobium angustifolium)
Fireweed is a tall, showy wildflower famous for being the first plant to colonize burned areas after fires. Its spikes of brilliant pink-purple flowers bring hope and color to devastated landscapes, earning it the nickname "nature's phoenix."
Onagraceae (Evening Primrose family)
Summer to early fall (June-September)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: nerines and chionodoxas also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Fireweed earned its name and symbolism by being the first plant to colonize areas devastated by fire, bringing brilliant color to blackened landscapes. After the WWII London Blitz bombings, it famously covered bomb sites with pink blooms, earning the name "Bombweed" and becoming a symbol of hope and resilience for war-torn Britain. It was the first plant to appear after Mt. St. Helens erupted in 1980. In the Victorian flower language, it represents transformation and new life from destruction. It's the official floral emblem of Yukon Territory, Canada. The novel "Fireweed" featured teenagers meeting on bomb sites where it grew profusely.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate; tolerates some drought once established but prefers consistent moisture
Soil
Well-drained, Moist, Poor to fertile, Disturbed mineral soil, Slightly acidic to neutral
Expert Growing Tips
Can be aggressive spreader via rhizomes and 80,000 seeds per plant
Best for wild gardens or areas where spreading is acceptable
Deadhead to prevent excessive self-seeding
Excellent for reclaiming disturbed or poor soil
Attracts abundant pollinators, especially bumblebees
Young shoots edible when cooked like asparagus
Flowers and buds make beautiful garnishes and jelly
Foliage is food plant for elephant hawk-moth caterpillars
Voted county flower of London (2002)
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Wildflower gardens and native plantings
- Pollinator gardens (attracts bees, butterflies, moths)
- Cottage gardens and perennial borders
- Land reclamation and erosion control
- Cut flowers
- Edible landscaping (young shoots and flowers)
Traditional Uses
- Traditional use by indigenous peoples worldwide
- Used for pain and inflammation
- Traditional remedy for enlarged prostate (BPH)
- Applied to wounds as astringent
- Used for stomach ulcers and fevers
- Silky seed fluff used by native peoples for weaving and padding
- Consult healthcare provider before medicinal use
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fireweed
why is it called fireweed?
It's called Fireweed because it's one of the first plants to colonize areas burned by fire, rapidly covering devastated landscapes with brilliant pink flowers and bringing life back to scorched earth.
is fireweed edible?
Yes, Fireweed is edible. Young shoots can be cooked like asparagus, flowers and buds make garnishes and jellies, and leaves can be used for tea. It's been an important food source for indigenous peoples.
is fireweed invasive?
Fireweed can be aggressive, spreading via rhizomes and producing 80,000 seeds per plant. While native, it can take over gardens, so it's best for wild areas or where spreading is acceptable.
what does fireweed symbolize?
Fireweed symbolizes renewal, resilience, and hope after destruction. It represents new beginnings and recovery, especially after it famously covered London's WWII bomb sites with pink blooms.
how tall does fireweed grow?
Fireweed typically grows 4-6 feet tall but can reach an impressive 9 feet in ideal conditions, creating dramatic vertical spikes of pink-purple flowers.
does fireweed attract pollinators?
Yes, Fireweed is excellent for pollinators, attracting bumblebees, butterflies, and moths. It's pollinated by buzz pollination and provides abundant nectar throughout summer.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Explore More Beautiful Flowers
Discover other flowers with similar meanings, characteristics, or cultural significance.
Nerine
Nerine bowdenii (and other spp.)
Nerine are South African bulbs producing clusters of lily-like flowers with recurved petals that shimmer in sunlight. They symbolize good fortune and renewal.
Chionodoxa
Chionodoxa forbesii (formerly luciliae)
Chionodoxa, known as Glory-of-the-Snow, is among the earliest spring bulbs to bloom, often pushing through snow. These star-shaped flowers symbolize hope, renewal, and the triumph of life over winter.
Asclepias
Asclepias speciosa (and other spp.)
Asclepias, commonly known as milkweed, is essential for monarch butterfly survival and features clusters of intricate flowers. It symbolizes transformation, renewal, and hope while serving as a vital native wildflower.