Fireweed

Fireweed is an essential native species to any pollinator garden!

Plants bloom with light to dark pink flowers, attracting many pollinators, which can also be used to make a flavourful jelly.

Fireweed is a pioneer plant, meaning it is one of the first species of plants to grow in a disturbed area. The name 'fireweed' comes from the plant's ability to rapidly colonize wooded areas ravaged by fire.

Fireweed is native to Canada as well as the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.

After flowers have fallen, long slender seed capsules will form very shortly after. The capsules will burst open when mature releasing hundreds of seeds with a fluffy 'tail' to be dispersed by wind.

Instructions

Seeds can be scattered any time in the season.

In well watered soil, plants will sprout in approximately a week, and will only need watering through the season.

Fireweed will readily disperse seed when mature. To prevent seedlings from potentially taking over the garden, cut the flower stalks off after blooming. 

To collect seeds from this plant, leave a flower stalk to grow and choose capsules that have began splitting at the end. Place in a bag to let the capsules fully open. Seed 'puffs' can be formed into a ball and pulled repeatedly to drop seed onto a tray, to then sift and store.

Plant information