Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) is a native plant that grows in many
places in the U.S. It is found well up into the mountains and is a hardy
pioneer species, readily sprouting and taking hold in disturbed areas, especially
along highways, railroads, and old burns. It gets its name from the fact that
it is often one of the first plants to grow in a burned-out area. The tall
spikes of rose to purple flowers bloom June through September. Although this
plant is a wild perennial, the flowers quickly wither away and are replaced by
long, narrow seedpods.
In the fall the seedpods split lengthwise,
releasing hundreds of small seeds, each tipped with fluffy, white tufts of
hair. These seeds are readily dispersed by the wind
and can travel a considerable distance; the seed hairs have been used as
a stuffing material or as tinder.
I especially love that second photo!
ReplyDeleteI remember this plant (as rosebay willowherb) from inner London, where it brought colour to demolition sites. Apparently, it was quite a rare plant for a long time, until the Industrial Revolution (and later, the Blitz) created suitable habitat.
Thanks, Snail! I should have realized that it might have been found other places; according to Wikipedia: "It is native throughout the temperate Northern Hemisphere, including large parts of the boreal forests." I also like the British name for it, but do always associate it with large disturbed areas around here (Washington State) where there has been logging or forest fires. I find it interesting how various plants come & go over the course of time, depending on the conditions of the land - often associated with human activity.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by & for the comment - LOVE your blog!