Alphabetical Plant Listing

Chamaenerion angustifolium (Fireweed)

Willow Herb, Rosebay Willowherb, Great Willowherb, Fireweed, Chamerion angustifolium, Epilobium angustifolium, Epilobium spicatum


Stunning in bloom, Chamaenerion angustifolium (Fireweed) is a strongly-spreading, rhizomatous perennial wildflower boasting striking spikes of up to 50 or more saucer-shaped, purplish-pink flowers from summer to fall. They sit atop upright pink-tinged stems clad with long, narrow, willow-like leaves. Attracting lots of pollinators, each flower is perched at the end of a long capsule bearing numerous seeds adorned with a tuft of silky plumes. Acting as fluffy parachutes, they can travel away from the parent plant and form dense colonies. A single plant can produce 80,000 seeds! Fireweed can quickly take over a garden if left unattended. Perfect for prairies, meadows and naturalized areas.

  • Grows up to 2-5 ft. tall (60-150 cm) and 1-3 ft. wide (30-90 cm). This plant spreads by both rhizomes and self-seeding.
  • Thrives in full sun to part shade in organically rich, well-drained soils with regular moisture. Appreciates some part shade in hot summer climates.
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • Will propagate itself by wind borne seed or by underground rhizomes. Promptly remove spent flower stems to encourage additional bloom and to prevent unwanted self-seeding.
  • Native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere

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Requirements

Hardiness 2 – 7
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 2' – 5' (60cm – 150cm)
Spread 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Alaska, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico
Tolerance Rocky Soil
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 2 – 7
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 2' – 5' (60cm – 150cm)
Spread 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Alaska, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico
Tolerance Rocky Soil
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow

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