Map Courtesy of USGS
Chamerion angustifolium
fireweed
Habitat:
Fireweed grows in northern climates throughout the world. It tolerates a broad range of climate conditions . It has been recorded from 25 to 70 degrees north, and from sea level in the central and northern parts of its range in Western North America to 15,000 ft. in the Himalayas. Fireweed is widespread in the northern US and Canada from Labrador to Alaska (Randall et al 1988).
plant is 2' to 5' tall, and is either unbranched or sparsely branched. The stems are round or angular; leaves are up to 5" long and 3/4" across; lanceolate or linear, with margins that are smooth. The central stem and side stems each terminate in an elongated raceme of showy flowers, about 3" to 8" long. flowers range in color from pink to magenta (Randall et al 1988).