Epilobium angustifolium

Epilobium angustifolium: Fireweed

Tall, luminous, and unmistakably wild, Epilobium angustifolium—commonly known as Fireweed—rises with spires of rosy purple flowers that light up the summer garden. Blooming progressively from bottom to top, its vertical racemes create a striking, airy presence above narrow, willow-like foliage. This vigorous native spreads by rhizomes, quickly filling in open ground with colour and ecological value. A pollinator favourite and a resilient pioneer species, it thrives in sun-drenched meadows, moist woodland edges, and rewilding projects alike.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–150 cm
• Spread: 60–90 cm
• Flower Colour: Rosy purple
• Flowering Period: July to September
• Foliage: Narrow, lance-shaped green leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Average to moist, well-drained soil; tolerates poor or disturbed soils

Uses and Benefits: Epilobium angustifolium is an ideal choice for naturalized plantings, pollinator gardens, and ecological restorations. Its quick colonizing habit makes it excellent for erosion control or filling large spaces. While best suited to informal settings, it brings undeniable impact, especially when planted in mass. Loved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds alike.

Companion Plants: Combine Epilobium angustifolium with Monarda fistulosa, Deschampsia cespitosa, and Veronicastrum virginicum to build a soft, layered meadow palette that moves with the wind and supports pollinators all season.

Care Instructions: Provide full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Once established, it is self-sufficient and adaptable. Cut stems back in early spring. Rhizomatous spread can be vigorous—contain with edging or regular thinning if needed.

History: Native to nearly every Canadian province, Epilobium angustifolium is one of the first plants to reappear after wildfire, earning it the name Fireweed. It has a long history of traditional use by Indigenous communities for food, fibre, and medicine.

Final Thoughts: Epilobium angustifolium brings the spirit of renewal and resilience—wild, elegant, and humming with life, it’s a showstopper for natural gardens and native landscapes.