Fireweed
Epilobium angustifolium
(Onagraceae)
Description:
Fireweed raises a tall, simple, densely leafed stem from
woody roots. Its leaves are alternate, lanceolate, acute and, underneath, pale
and distinctly veined. The flowers, in long, terminal racemes opening from the
base, display more or less red-colored sepals and large, clawed petals. Normally
lilac-purple, the flowers are sometimes white. At the end of the growing season,
purple-tinged seed pods open and the plant becomes a mass of silky down.
Distribution:
Fireweed is described as ranging from Siberia across northern
North America. It is found in meadows and forests, on river bars, and in burned
areas.
Medicinal uses:
According to Lantis, Alaskan Natives use fireweed tea
for stomachaches. The tea from the leaves is stronger than chamomile tea and
good for restlessness. (Hall)
Dried fireweed roots (gathered after the plant has dried) can be mixed with grease and spread on infected sores or bites.
Culinary uses:
Fireweed marrow, or pith, is eaten by Natives; the leaves
are used for a tea called kapor in Russia. (Lewis) The root is eaten
raw by Siberian Eskimos. Young tender greens are good in salads or cooked.
Copyright © 1987 by Eleanor G. Viereck