Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium)

Chamerion angustifolium, commonly known as fireweed, is a robust strongly-spreading, rhizomatous perennial wildflower that grows to 2-5’ tall on upright, often reddish, primarily unbranched, stiff woody stems clad with alternate, narrow-lanceolate or linear, pinnately-veined, willow-like leaves (to 2-6” long and 3/4” wide) and topped by an elongated terminal cluster (raceme to 3-8” long) of open, saucer-shaped, 4-petaled, bright pink to lilac-purple (rarely white) outward-facing flowers with protruding stigmas which bloom in summer (June-September). Flowers bloom bottom to top on each raceme which can simultaneously have seed pods at the bottom, blooming flowers in the middle and unopened flower buds at the top.
 
Easily grown in organically rich, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers part shade in hot summer climates. Needs regular moisture. Promptly remove spent flower stems to encourage additional bloom and to prevent unwanted self-seeding. Plants spread by both rhizomes and self-seeding (seeds have silky seed hairs which facilitate easy dispersal by the wind to remote areas). This plant can be both persistent and aggressive in garden areas.
 
Zone: 2 to 7
Height: 2.00 to 5.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: June to September
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Tolerate: Shallow-Rocky Soil