Fireweed Chamaenerion angustifolium 'Album'
ABOUT
Chamaenerion angustifolium 'Album', commonly known as white-flowered fireweed, is a perennial plant that boasts a striking appearance. It features a clump of upright stems surrounded by unique lance-shaped leaves that spiral around the stem, creating a pattern reminiscent of a willow leaf. The foliage is a deep green, which sets a rich backdrop for the plant's most captivating feature: its blooms. The white-flowered fireweed lives up to its name by producing a brilliant display of white flowers. These blossoms are star-shaped and arranged in a dense, elongated cluster that forms a spike at the top of each stem. The flower spikes create a feathery texture that is both graceful and eye-catching. Flowering in the warmer months, this plant transforms any space it occupies into a sea of white, with the flowers attracting a variety of pollinators to the garden. When not in bloom, the white-flowered fireweed remains visually interesting thanks to its attractive foliage, which provides a steady green presence. In autumn, the plant's visual interest continues as the leaves may take on a reddish or colorful hue, and the seed pods that follow the flowers present a distinctive look before dispersing seeds. The white-flowered fireweed is a delightful plant for any setting, bringing with it a touch of wilderness and beauty through its elegant appearance and charming flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onagraceae.
Synonyms
White Fireweed, White Great Willowherb, White Rosebay Willowherb.
Common names
Chamerion angustifolium 'Album', Epilobium angustifolium 'Album'
ToxicityTo humans
Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium 'Album') is generally considered non-toxic to humans and is even used in some traditional cuisines and herbal medicines. It does not typically pose a risk of poisoning if ingested. There are no common symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant, as it is not known for being harmful to humans when consumed in reasonable quantities.
To pets
Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium 'Album') is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. There are no widespread reports of adverse effects from pets consuming this plant. It is not known to cause poisoning in pets, and no specific symptoms have been commonly associated with ingestion of any part of this plant by animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts wildlife – It is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which play a crucial role in pollination.
- Ornamental use – With its tall spikes of white flowers, it can add vertical interest and aesthetic value to gardens.
- Erosion control – Its root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Drought-tolerant – Once established, it can survive in dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Easy to grow – It is generally undemanding and doesn't require much care, which is great for beginner gardeners.
- Cold-resistant – It can survive in cold climates, making it a good choice for northern gardens.
- Food source for wildlife – Its leaves serve as food for caterpillars of certain moth species.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Used to reduce inflammation in various conditions.
- Astringent: Applied to control bleeding and help with wound healing.
- Diuretic: Promotes the production of urine, which can aid in the removal of excess fluids from the body.
- Antimicrobial: Possesses properties that can help fight off or inhibit the growth of bacteria and other pathogens.
- Analgesic: May be used to alleviate pain in certain situations.
- Antispasmodic: Helps to relieve spasms of the muscles.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a dye plant: Fireweed 'Album' can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, with various parts of the plant yielding different shades.
- In candle making: The flowers of Fireweed 'Album' can be incorporated into candles for a decorative element that also lightly scents the wax.
- Erosion control: Fireweed 'Album', with its fast-growth and extensive root system, can be effective in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on steep slopes.
- As a fiber source: The stalks of Fireweed 'Album' can be processed to extract fibers that are then used in traditional crafts such as cordage and textile weaving.
- In beekeeping: Fireweed 'Album' is a valuable plant for beekeepers, as its nectar-rich flowers are excellent for honey production, resulting in a uniquely flavored honey.
- Garden ornamental: With its distinctive white blooms, Fireweed 'Album' is often planted for aesthetic purposes in wildflower gardens and naturalized areas.
- Culinary garnish: The blooms of Fireweed 'Album' can be used as an edible garnish to add a touch of color and mild flavor to salads and desserts.
- Companion planting: Fireweed 'Album' can be used in companion planting strategies to attract beneficial insects and pollinators to the garden.
- As a smoking blend: The leaves of Fireweed 'Album', when dried, can be used as a part of herbal smoking blends, though they do not contain nicotine or any traditional smoking substances.
- Livestock feed: The young shoots and leaves of Fireweed 'Album' can be consumed by livestock, particularly goats, which may find them palatable and nutritious.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe fireweed is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe fireweed is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Medicinal Properties: Fireweed, the most common name for Chamaenerion angustifolium 'Album', has been traditionally used for its healing properties. It symbolizes the ability to renew and heal as it is one of the first plants to grow after forest fires or other significant disturbances.
- Resilience and Renewal: Because of its capacity to quickly repopulate areas devastated by fire, fireweed represents resilience and the ability to bounce back from adversity. It encapsulates the promise of new growth and the return of stability after chaos.
- Hope and New Beginnings: Fireweed is often associated with hope and fresh starts. Its prolific blooming after destruction is seen as a metaphor for overcoming difficult situations and starting anew with optimism.
- Peace and Tranquility: The elegant and airy white blooms of the 'Album' variety bring a sense of calm and peace, thus symbolizing tranquility in the face of hardship.
WaterFireweed, or Chamaenerion angustifolium 'Album', should be watered deeply once a week during its growing season, ensuring that the soil is moist but never waterlogged. Depending on the climate and soil conditions, this typically translates to approximately one to one and a half gallons of water per plant for each watering session. During hot and dry periods, increase watering frequency to twice a week. In the fall and winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant. Overwatering or allowing the soil to remain soggy can lead to root rot, so it's essential to let the soil dry out slightly between watering.
LightFireweed thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It performs best when it receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. An ideal spot for fireweed would be an area that gets plenty of morning sunlight and is sheltered from the intense heat of the afternoon sun, thus preventing potential leaf scorch.
TemperatureFireweed is hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range, from as low as -30°F to up to 90°F. The ideal growing temperature for fireweed is between 60°F and 70°F. It is a resilient plant that can survive frost and thrives in colder climates but can be impacted by extreme heat.
PruningPrune fireweed in late winter or early spring to remove any dead stems and encourage new growth. Pruning is not frequently required but doing so can maintain the shape and vitality of the plant. The best time for pruning is just before new growth starts, which is typically when the temperatures begin to consistently stay above freezing.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFireweed, the common name for Chamaenerion angustifolium 'Album,' thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of loamy garden soil, peat moss, and sand can provide good drainage and aeration. Enriching the soil with compost will further enhance its fertility and structure.
RepottingFireweed does not typically require frequent repotting. It can be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingFireweed prefers average humidity levels but is tolerant of a range of conditions. Maintaining a humidity level around 40-60% is ideal for this plant, but it can adapt to lower or higher levels without significant issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place fireweed near a sunny window, water moderately.
Outdoor
Plant fireweed in full sun, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
2-9 USDA
Life cycleChamaenerion angustifolium 'Album', commonly known as White Fireweed, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in the spring after experiencing cold stratification. The seeds give rise to small seedlings, which then develop a rosette of leaves at the ground level. As the plant matures, it develops a tall flowering stalk that can reach up to 2 meters, with white blooms that are pollinated by insects, primarily bees. Following pollination, the plant produces elongated seed pods that release seeds with tufts of hair that aid in wind dispersal. White Fireweed is a perennial plant, meaning that it can survive for multiple years, regrowing from its rhizome each spring. After several years, once the plant has reached maturity, it will die, but not before it has produced many seeds to continue the species.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Chamaenerion angustifolium 'Album', commonly known as white-flowered fireweed, is mostly propagated through seeds. Occurring naturally in late summer to early fall, as the pods of the plant release their seeds, this is the ideal time for seed collection and sowing. The most popular method of propagation for white-flowered fireweed is by sowing the seeds. To propagate, collect the seed pods in late summer once they have dried on the plant but before they have opened. Sow them immediately in a cold frame or sprinkle them onto a well-prepared seedbed outside, as they need a period of cold stratification to germinate effectively. Cover the seeds lightly with soil, as they require light for germination, and keep moist. Seedlings should emerge by the following spring, and once they're large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to their final positions.
