Table of Contents
What is fireweed flower?
Fireweed is a tall showy wildflower that grows from sea level to the subalpine zone. A colorful sight in many parts of the country, fireweed thrives in open meadows, along streams, roadsides, and forest edges. In some places, this species is so abundant that it can carpet entire meadows with brilliant pink flowers.
What is the role of fireweed?
Fireweed is an herb. The parts of the plant that grow above ground are used to make medicine. Fireweed is used for pain and swelling (inflammation), fevers, tumors, wounds, and enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH). It is also used as an astringent and as a tonic.
Where do fireweed flowers grow?
Distribution: Fireweed grows in northern climates throughout the world. It tolerates a broad spectrum of climatic conditions (Mosquin 1966). It has been recorded from 25 to 70 degrees north, and from sea level in the central and northern parts of its range in Western North America to 15,000 ft. in the Himalayas.
What do fireweed flowers look like?
Identifying Fireweed: The most distinctive thing about fireweed is its gorgeous pink to purple colored flowers, which grow in a spike shape in sunny pockets all over the Northwest. Flowers have four petals, and resemble the flowers of other evening primrose plant relatives.
What are the benefits of fireweed?
Health Benefits of Fireweed (Ivan Chai)
- Normalizes blood pressure.
- Balances digestive health.
- Promotes relaxation.
- Builds immunity.
- Improves mood.
- Strengthens circulation.
- Supports the kidneys and urinary system.
- Detoxifies the body.
Is fireweed good for anything?
The parts of the plant that grow above ground are used to make medicine. People use fireweed for migraine, the common cold, stomach ulcers, enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.
Why is it called fireweed?
Fireweed received its name not because of its brilliant magenta flower or tall flamelike spires, but because it is the first to repopulate burned woodland or a blackened hearth, flourishing on burned-over ground. After flowering, the pods develop a beautiful silken down.
What can you do with fireweed flowers?
But it is not just another pretty flower, all parts of the fireweed are edible. The young leaves can be eaten raw in salads or sautéed in a stir fry or with other greens. The flowers and buds make a beautiful garnish and can be used to make fireweed jelly.
Can you eat fireweed flowers?
What does the fireweed grow on?
Because it tends to overrun the area where it grows, fireweed should be grown in dry, poorish soil. It may be grown from seeds, shoots or root cuttings.
What are some interesting facts about fireweed?
Fireweed facts. Fireweed is a flower plant which is also called Epilobium angustifolium. Two varieties are found in North America:- var. canescens and var. angustifolium. Fireweed is found in the streams and open woods. Fireweed adapts well to burned or cut-over forests, avalanche areas, swamps, riverbars and deglaciated areas.
How many seeds does a fireweed plant produce?
Each flower is perched at the end of a long cylindrical capsule bearing numerous seeds. Seeds have a tuft of silky hairs at the end. A single fireweed plant can produce 80,000 seeds! The delicate fluffy parachutes can transport seeds far from the parent plant. The fluff was used by native peoples as fiber for weaving and for padding.
How do you identify a fireweed plant?
Identifying Fireweed: The most distinctive thing about fireweed is its gorgeous pink to purple colored flowers, which grow in a spike shape in sunny pockets all over the Northwest. Flowers have four petals, and resemble the flowers of other evening primrose plant relatives.
Is Fireweed A Primrose?
Fireweed is an important plant for honey producers as it attracts the bees and hummingbirds as well. This beautiful plant is a member of the Evening Primrose family (Onagraceae). – click for video -. Distinguishing Features: Fireweed is a very attractive flowered plant that tends to love disturbed places.