Epilobium angustifolium Seeds | Fireweed
LATIN NAME: Epilobium angustifolium
COMMON NAME: Fireweed
Plant Profile
Epilobium angustifolium, commonly known as Fireweed, is a species in the evening-primrose family with a long record in gardens. Fireweed torches tall, upright spikes with narrow, willow-like leaves and long, dense racemes of large, four-petalled, rosy-purple flowers that open from bottom of spike upward through summer, the whole plant carrying the bold, torch-like bloom. Flowers give way to slender, silky seed capsules that burst open in the wind. It likes sun, and moist, well-drained soil. When it flowers, local bees and other insects make good use of it. Taken as a whole, it is a plant that repays a little attention many times over.
Science & Biotechnology
Epilobium angustifolium sits in the evening-primrose family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. In evening-primrose family, fireweed has a recognised place in studies of colonising perennials, and species appears in research on fast spread over cleared ground and silky seed dispersal. It retains a following among breeders and collectors, which keeps seed stocks in circulation.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Fireweed for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Young shoots serve salads and greens for generations, stems yield fine fibre, and flowers feed bees and butterflies while plant heals cleared ground fast. It grows well in moist, well-drained, sunny ground. Spikes rise quickly in open ground. Once it has settled, the workload drops to almost nothing.
Willowherbs are traditional European teas for prostate and urinary comfort, and small-flowered species’ oenothein tannins are studied accordingly; they are also vital pioneer plants after forest fires.
Growing from Seed
Fireweed grows readily from seed. Sow on the surface of a gritty, well-drained mix, cover lightly with fine compost, and maintain gentle, even moisture in a sunny position. The seed responds well to a cool, moist stratification period, which helps it break dormancy evenly. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Fireweed has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. In a sunny, freely drained position it needs little looking after.
Related Reading
If Fireweed appeals to you, these related plants are worth a look: