Fireweed

Fireweed

Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) is a lovely pioneer, which moves into damaged terrain with both looks and cheekiness. It particularly likes open fields that have been clear cut or damaged by fire. These specimens were found in a clear cut area filled with acidic-soil producing pine needles, the perfect environment. In Alaska, this flower blooms late in the summer, heralding its end. In Colorado, it blooms much earlier.

Fireweed can grow in huge swaths if there is plenty of light.