Fireweed | Chamaenerion angustifolium - Benton Soil And Water Conservation District

Fireweed | Chamaenerion angustifolium

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A vibrant field of pink flowers surrounded by greenery, creating a picturesque natural scene.

This native flowering perennial spreads easily and is often found in forest clearings, along roadsides, and in low, wet places. Commonly establishes after fires, hence the name fireweed. Creates 3-6 ft tall spires of pinkish-purple blooms from June through September. A great food source for butterflies, bees, other beneficial insects, and hummingbirds.

Plant Details

Habitats	Shallow Marsh, Upland Prairie and Savanna, Mixed Hardwood-Conifer Forest or Woodland, Oak Woodland, Bottomland Forests, Riparian Forests
Habitat Notes	Does best in moist soils but can tolerate dry ones. This species spreads easily once established
Phenology	Perennial; flowering June-September
Mature Height	3-6 ft
Shade Preference	Full sun, part shade, full shade
Soil Tolerance	Moist, well-drained to dry soils
Special Uses	Supports beneficial insects and hummingbirds; erosion control. Often a species used to reclaim a disturbed site and is planted after a fire or clear cut

A close-up of a bee collecting nectar from delicate pink flowers, showcasing nature's pollination process.

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A marshy landscape with tall grasses, a few scattered tree stumps, and a dense forest in the background.

Shallow Marsh

Marshes are seasonally or continually flooded and occur in depressions, around lakes or ponds and along slow-flowing streams. Shallow marshes support dominant herbaceous vegetation which is rooted in…

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Upland Prairie and Savanna

Upland prairies or open grasslands are among the most threatened ecosystems in Oregon. Historically, they occurred across the Willamette Valley and are vegetated by perennial grasses and annual or…

A dense forest with tall trees and lush green undergrowth.

Mixed Hardwood-Conifer Forest or Woodland

Mixed hardwoods and conifers characterize this habitat which is widespread in western Oregon in the medium elevations of the hills of the Coast Range. Precipitation is higher in this habitat than in…

A lush forest scene with tall oak trees, green leaves, moss, and undergrowth, under a clear blue sky.

Oak Woodland

Oregon White Oaks dominate these woodlands and may support an open to moderately shrubby understory. Over thirty percent of the canopy shades the ground, but still filter light allowing oak seedling…

Bottomland Forests

Bottomland forests are generally used to describe forests which are comprised of both hardwood and softwood tree species that occur on low-elevation, alluvial floodplains or lower terraces of rivers…

A lush green riparian forest with tall red alder trees and a rocky stream running through it.

Riparian Forests

Riparian areas are defined by NRCS as ecosystems that occur along waterways and water bodies. They serve as the transition between aquatic and terrestrial zones.