SafePlants

Chamerion angustifolium: A Colorful Pioneer

Chamerion angustifolium, commonly known as fireweed (mainly in North America), great willow-herb (some parts of Canada), and rosebay willow-herb or rosebay willowherb (mainly in Britain), is a captivating perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the willowherb family, Onagraceae. Its vibrant magenta blossoms and pioneering spirit make it a notable species in various environments.

Common Names:

• Fireweed (primarily North America)
• Great Willow-herb (some parts of Canada)
• Rosebay Willow-herb/Rosebay Willowherb (primarily Britain)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chamerion angustifolium
• Family: Onagraceae (Willowherb or Evening Primrose Family)
• Group: Dicot
• Duration: Perennial
• Growth Habit: Forb/herb

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the sub-Arctic regions, extending down the Rocky Mountains, across the upper Midwest, and down the Appalachians to Georgia.
• Found throughout the US, except in the southeastern states and Texas.
• Present in all Canadian provinces.

Ecological Role

• A pioneering species, often one of the first to appear after forest or brush fires.
• Rapidly colonizes scrub or woodland areas cleared by machinery, as well as clear-cuts and roadsides.
• Considered a serious pasture weed in coastal New South Wales (NSW), Australia, where it competes strongly with pasture species and is toxic to livestock.
• Also considered a significant weed in Queensland.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial with widespread rhizome-like roots that readily form new shoots.
• Willow-like leaves and red stems, similar to other plants in its genus.
• Features stunning magenta blossoms.
• Known for its tall stature.

Quirky Facts

• Fireweed seeds are tiny and ride the wind like parachutes, facilitating widespread dispersal.
• The plant's name, "fireweed," comes from its ability to quickly populate areas after wildfires.
• Fireweed honey is highly prized, leading beekeepers in Canada to transport their hives to fireweed-rich areas during the blossoming season.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The flowers are noted for attracting bees.
• Competes strongly with pasture species and can be toxic to livestock, causing illness, slow growth, and poor productivity in livestock in certain regions (e.g., coastal New South Wales).

Further Information

• Referenced in the publication "FNH-00106" by Roxie Rodgers Dinstel and Leslie Shallcross.