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Description
Epilobium Angustifolium Subsp. Angustifolium, commonly known as Fireweed, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is a member of the Onagraceae family and can grow up to 2.5 meters tall. Fireweed is commonly found in disturbed areas, such as clearings and burned-over lands, and is often one of the first plants to appear after a wildfire.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Onagraceae |
| Genus | Epilobium |
Appearance
Fireweed has tall, slender stems with lance-shaped leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs. The leaves are smooth and have a slightly serrated edge. The plant produces showy, pink to purple flowers in long, spiky clusters at the end of the stems. The flowers have four petals and are pollinated by bees and butterflies. As the flowers fade, they are replaced by long, narrow seed pods that split open to release fluffy seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Care Guide
Fireweed is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full to partial sun. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells, and fertilize it once a year with a balanced fertilizer. Fireweed is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but prefers soil that is slightly acidic. It is hardy in USDA zones 2-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Fireweed is relatively pest and disease-free. It may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too moist and poorly drained. In addition, the plant may be affected by powdery mildew if the air is too humid. If powdery mildew is present, treat the plant with a fungicide and improve air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Fireweed is commonly found in disturbed areas, such as clearings and burned-over lands. It is also found in meadows, along roadsides, and in other open areas. The plant is native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Fireweed a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Fireweed is an excellent plant for attracting bees and butterflies.
Q: Can Fireweed be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Fireweed can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Does Fireweed have any medicinal uses?
A: Yes, Fireweed has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, stomach ulcers, and respiratory infections.
Q: Is Fireweed invasive?
A: No, Fireweed is not considered invasive. However, it may spread easily in disturbed areas and should be monitored in these areas.
Related Plants
- Epilobium Canum
- Epilobium Hirsutum
- Epilobium Palustre
- Epilobium Parviflorum
References
- USDA Plants Database. Epilobium angustifolium subsp. angustifolium. Available at: https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=EPANA. Accessed 12 May 2021.
- Fireweed. The Morton Arboretum. Available at: https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/fireweed. Accessed 12 May 2021.
- Fireweed. Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/plant/fireweed. Accessed 12 May 2021.
