Plant
Fireweed
Chamaenerion angustifoliumAlso known as Rosebay Willowherb, Bombweed
Fireweed rapidly colonizes burned timberlands and disturbed soils, painting northern landscapes in vibrant magenta pink every summer. Spire-like racemes bloom progressively from bottom to top, signaling the march of late summer toward autumn. Millions of tiny, silky-haired seeds travel far on gentle breezes, allowing this resilient pioneer plant to jump-start forest regeneration.
FloweringPioneer SpeciesBoreal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic
Predators
- Elk
- Moose
- Caterpillars
ThreatsForest canopy closure, habitat development, broadcast herbicides
HabitatsBurned forests, clearings, roadsides, tundra, and meadows
Life spanPerennial (clones persist for decades)
Classification
- OrderMyrtales
- FamilyOnagraceae
- GenusChamaenerion
- SpeciesChamaenerion angustifolium
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Location Spotting: Look for massive magenta sweeps across recently burned woodlands and sunny clearings.
- Seasonal Indicator: Observe how flowers bloom bottom to top, marking the turn of late summer.
Close Relative (c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Family Member (c) Tom Pollard, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tom Pollard · cc-by
Family Member (c) Don Loarie, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Don Loarie · cc-by
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