Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) is a familiar plant throughout the temperate northern hemisphere. It is frequently found in open fields, along roadsides and in clearings within the boreal forest. It might be thought that plant is named after the vivid purple red flowers that are produced each year. In fact the plant is named after its ability to colonize an area after a forest fire. It is a pioneer species.
Fireweed belongs to the Onagraceae, or willowherb, family of plants alongside such diverse plants as the evening primrose and fuchsias. In England it is widely known as Rosebay Willowherb. In the Yukon it is the state plant.
Fireweed is not fussy in respect of soil conditions. It can grow in soils rich in lime and will tolerate slightly acidic soils. Light is a more stringent condition. Provided that there is light the plant will flower throughout the summer. Without light the plant dies back. It does not compete directly with successor species. It has an alternative strategy. Seeds from the firewood lie dormant in the soil. When the land becomes clear through a fire or other cause they readily germinate and recolonise the area. Fireweed is a robust plant. It can often be seen recolonising derelict industrial sites which are considered to be environmentally polluted.
During the twentieth century the plant became more common in the United Kingdom for two reasons. The species took advantage of derelict sites arising from Second World War bomb damage and from industrial decline. At the same time the more vigourous American firewood entered the country
Fireweed is a perennial herbaceous plant. In season it throws up red stems that can grow from 0.5 to 2.5 metres tall. Knife like leaves branch off on alternate sides of the stem. At the top of the stem purple pink flowers form in tall inflorescences. Each flower can be 2 to 3 centimetres in diameter and has four petals. Cumulatively a flowering group of firewood plants can be a riot of pink colour.
After flowering, fireweed produces long narrow seed pods These release numerous tiny white fluffy seeds which blow in the wind. Each pod contains 300 to 400 seeds. Each plant can generate 80,000 seeds which can lie dormant until conditions are suitable. Once established the fireweed propagates through shallow rhizomes. These can spread by as much one metre per year.
Firewood has many culinary and medicinal uses but requires careful identification. In the spring the early growth resembles that of some very poisonous lillies. Firewood fortunately has a unique identifying feature which is not found on other plants. The leaf veins do not run to the edge of the leaves. Instead they form circular loops.
Throughout the Northern hemisphere different countries have found different uses for fireweed. In North America the native people peel and eat the young shoots raw. The shoots can be cooked much like asparagus They are rich in vitamin C and pro-vitamin A. The Dena’ina tribe rub infected wounds with the raw stem to draw the pus. People in Alaska make candies, jelly and ice cream from the plant. People in Russia used to use the leaves to make an infusion known as Kapor tea. Beekeepers often encourage their bees to graze on fireweed. Honey made solely from this plant has an unusual spicy taste.
Fireweed is a beautiful and vigorous plant that has a multitude of use.
