Share on Facebook
Share on X
Share by Email
Share on Google Classroom
Fireweed, the common name for Epilobium angustifolium, is a member of a genus of herbaceous or shrubby plants of the evening primrose family (Onagraceae ). Fireweed is the official flower of the Yukon.
Description
Roughly 160 species of Epilobium (willow herbs) are found throughout temperate regions; 12 are native to Canada. Willow herbs have alternate or opposed leaves, and regular or slightly irregular flowers. The calyx forms a four-part tube; the flower has four petals. Eight stamens surround the compound ovary; the fruit is a long, narrow capsule. Seeds are numerous and tufted at the top. The Yukon Territory adopted fireweed as its floral emblem in 1957. The flowers are arranged in an elongated cluster, situated terminally on a stem 50–200 cm long with alternate, spear-shaped leaves. The large purple, magenta or occasionally white flowers blossom from the bottom up. This species propagates quickly after forest fires (hence the name). Because it tends to overrun the area where it grows, fireweed should be grown in dry, poorish soil. It may be grown from seeds, shoots or root cuttings.
