Fireweed – Chamerion Angustifolium

One of the wonderful western wildflowers I’ve photographed in several locations is Fireweed (chamerion angustifolium). The bright magenta flowers of this summer blooming member of the Onoagraceae (evening primrose) family are easy to spot. I’ve photographed it at Yankee Boy Basin in Colorado, and in Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Fireweed is native to Canada and a few northern or mountainous states in the US, including Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Minnesota and Indiana. Fireweed is also known as willow herb and french willow.

Fireweed can grow to a height of five feet tall. The bright magenta four petaled flowers are about an inch across. Stems are reddish with alternate leaves.

Fireweed grows in moist soil in areas with lots of sun. It is commonly found along roadsides and in clearings. It is one of the plants that first grows back in burned wooded areas – hence it’s name – fireweed.