General
Perennial forb growing from spreading root stocks. Forms stout, erect stems 1 to 6 feet tall, occasionally 9 feet, that are often reddish in color.
Leaves
Four to 8 inches long, lance-shaped, deep green above, paler beneath with conspicuous veins on lower surface. Leaf margins may be minutely toothed.
Flowers
Magenta, deep pink or rose-colored flowers (rarely white) with petals that are egg-shaped and one-third to three-quarter inch long. Multiple flowers grow on long, leafy stems.
Bloom
June to September.
Ecology
Found in moist to dry disturbed areas, including clearings, roadsides and recently burned sites. Also found in meadows, thickets, avalanche tracks and along river bars. Grows in low to high elevations.
Pollinators
Attracts bees, flies, other insects and hummingbirds. Oregon Bee Atlas participants have documented many genera and species of native bees from fireweed including five species of bumble bees.
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