fireweed

noun

fire·​weed ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌwēd 

: any of several plants that grow especially in clearings or burned districts: such as

a

: a weedy annual composite (Erechtites hieraciifolius synonym E. hieraciifolia) of eastern North America having flower heads of whitish tubular disk flowers enveloped by green bracts

b

: a tall perennial (Chamaenerion angustifolium) of the evening-primrose family that has long spikes of pinkish-purple flowers and is an important honey plant in some areas

called also willow herb

Did you know?

This is a perennial wildflower of the evening primrose family. Its spikes of whitish to magenta flowers, which grow up to 5 ft (1.5 m) high, are a spectacular sight on prairies of the temperate zone. Its seeds can lie dormant for many years, awaiting the warmth necessary for germination. Fireweed is one of the first plants to appear after a forest or brush fire; it also rapidly covers scrub or woodland areas that have been cleared by machine. It has limited use in wild gardens, where it must be carefully checked and confined.

Examples of fireweed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the spring, the mountains surrounding Vail are covered in pale blue bluebells, pink fireweed, vibrant paintbrush, and the purples of lupin and larkspur, among others. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2024

Worms, jellyfish, and toxic fireweed ruled the deep. —Alan B. Sielen, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2013

This week, Jeff and Jonathan discuss the diverse matter that falls from the sky, including fireweed seeds, cottonwood seeds and pollen. —Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 21 July 2023

Wild Blueberry is made with wild Alaskan blueberries, and Fireweed features natural fireweed extract and honey. —Blake Bakkila, Sunset Magazine, 14 July 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fireweed

noun

fire·​weed ˈfī(ə)r-ˌwēd 

: a plant with pinkish purple flowers that grows especially in clearings or burned areas