Growth habit: Vigorous rhizomatous perennial

Height: 90 - 180 cm

Spread: Spreads rapidly via underground runners

Bloom Time: July - August

Bloom Colour: Deep pink to magenta; rarely white

Light: Sun to semi-shade

Moisture: Average to wet

Soil: Average to poor garden soil

Seeding: Seeds require cold stratification in order to germinate. Direct seed into the ground in spring or fall. Cover lightly with soil and mark the area to make it easier to find the seedlings in spring. See the Plant Info page for more detailed information on growing from seed.

Landscape uses: A valuable addition to a pollinator garden, however it will need to be contained in small spaces. A useful and beautiful plant for a meadow or naturalized area because it spreads so readily. It can be managed in smaller gardens by burying lawn edging at least 15 cm deep around the perimeter of the area you want to restrict it to. Another method is to plant it in a large plastic nursery pot, dig a hole and bury it to the rim.

Interesting features: One of the first plants to colonize burnt landscapes after a fire, hence the common name. Fireweed is the floral emblem of the Yukon.

Natural habitat: Disturbed or fire-damaged areas in open parkland, prairies, and forest.

Ecology: High value nectar plant that attracts numerous native bees, beneficial insects, butterflies and hummingbirds. Host plant for the white-lined sphinx moth.