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Fireweed

Chamerion angustifolium

CommonPlant
Illustration of Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)

Fireweed is a tall native wildflower that rapidly colonizes burned areas and disturbed sites across boreal and mountain North America, often forming solid stands of magenta-pink flowers visible for miles. It is one of the first plants to bloom after wildfires and is a critical nectar plant for many insects. Young shoots were eaten by indigenous peoples as a vegetable.

Habitat
Burned areas, clearcuts, roadsides, and disturbed sites across northern North America
Diet
Nectar and pollen for bumblebees, hawk moths, and hummingbirds
How common
Common

Best time to see a Fireweed

The best time to see a Fireweed is July–August, when about 77% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 48,456 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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