Fireweed is a flower plant which is also called Epilobium angustifolium. Two varieties are found in North America:- var. canescens and var. angustifolium. Fireweed is found in the streams and open woods. Fireweed adapts well to burned or cut-over forests, avalanche areas, swamps, riverbars and deglaciated areas.
| Name |
Fireweed |
| Scientific Name |
Epilobium angustifolium |
| Native |
Native to Temperate Northern Hemisphere |
| Common/English Name |
Fireweed, Great Willowherb, Rosebay Willowherb, Spiked Willowherb, Narrow-leaved fireweed, Perennial fireweed, Great willow-herb, Flowering willow, Rosebay willow-herb, Blood Vine, Blooming Sally, Fireweed, Flowering Willow, Willow Herb, Purple Rocket |
| Plant Growth Habit |
Herbaceous, perennial |
| Soil |
Well-drained, moist |
| Plant Size |
2 m |
| Root |
Fibrous, rhizomatous |
| Stem |
Reddish , stout, erect, smooth; Height: 1.3 – 3 m |
| Leaf |
Alternate, long lanceolate, deep green, pinnate vines; Length: 4 – 8 inches |
| Flowering Season |
June-September |
| Flower |
Magenta, deep pink or rose color, obvoate; Length: 0.35-0.80 inch, Diameter: 2-3 cm |
| Fruit shape & size |
Capsule, tubular, thick hair, Length: 5–8 cm (2–3.2 inch) |
| Seed |
Brown; Length: 1 mm |
| Fruit Season |
July-October |
| Major Nutritions (Raw) |
Manganese, Mn 1.542 mg (67.04%)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.145 mg (11.15%)
Calcium, Ca 99 mg (9.90%)
Magnesium, Mg 36 mg (8.57%)
Copper, Cu 0.074 mg (8.22%)
Iron, Fe 0.55 mg (6.88%)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 1.075 mg (6.72%)
Vitamin B9 (Folate) 26 µg (6.50%)
Total dietary Fiber 2.4 g (6.32%)
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) 0.312 mg (6.24%) |
| Health Benefits |
- Bone health
- Prevent diabetes
- Regulates metabolism
- Prevent PMS
- Thyroid ailments
- Assist blood vessels
- Brain function
- Enhance mood
- Improves vision
- Cures anemia
|
| Calories in 1 cup chopped (23 gm) |
24 Kcal. |
| Traditional uses |
- This herb is used as a laxative, antispasmodic, tonic and hypnotic which contract the tissues and soften as well as soothe skin.
- An infusion or tea made from Fireweed helps to treat urinary, prostate problems and gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea or dysentery.
- Traditionally the plant is used to cleanse, soothe and heal the minor burns, ulcers, skin rashes, afflictions and skin irritations.
- The Blackfoot Indians use the tea made from roots which is useful in curing constipation.
- An infusion helps to cure diarrhea of enteric fever or typhoid. In this particular condition others attest its efficacy.
- It is helpful for intestinal irritation and intestinal digestion.
- An infusion made from leaves helps in menorrhagia, leucorrhoea and uterine hemorrhage.
- A poultice of peeled roots assist in skin sores, boils, swellings etc.
- A poultice of the leaves is applied to mouth ulcers.
- Poultices of the fresh leaves & flowers can be applied to inflammations of the ears, throat & nose.
- The poultice made from root and leaves is useful for bruises, skin injuries & infections.
- The leaves ointment helps to soothe skin problems.
- The cool decoctions treat hiccups, asthma and whooping cough.
- A tea of roots and leaves is an aid for abdominal cramps, yeast infections, candida and dysentery.
- It is used to promote colon.
- The soaked flower can be used as a gargled to treat sore throat, laryngitis and if combined with leaf is helpful for insomnia as well as headaches.
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| How to Eat |
- The shoots of Fireweed shoots could be used as a food.
- The young stems can be consumed raw or added to salads.
- The root could be roasted.
- In Alaska, Fireweed is used to make candies, jellies, syrups, and ice cream.
- In Russia, the leaves are consumed as a tea.
- Shoots are boiled and consumed with butter.
- The root can be used as a substitute for coffee and it can be ground into flour to use for bread.
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