Fireweed

Fireweed earned its name because this plant is the first to grow after forest fires.  It's found throughout the temperate northern hemisphere including some areas in the boreal forests.

The roots help to stabilize the soil and reduce erosion while a forest fire area regenerates (Gray, p. 92).

Tall fireweed is found in open woods, on hillsides, on stream banks, and near seashores in arctic regions.  It is often abundant in web areas with slightly acidic soils and in open fields and pastures.  It is especially abundant in burned-over areas (the seeds stay even after the burnt area reforests itself and germinate after another burn). Dwarf fireweed is found along streams, sandbars, and lakeshores and on alpine and arctic slopes. 

The root was peeled and poulticed for burns, rashes, and other skin problems (Foster & Duke, p. 196).  Fireweed has been used for skin care to reduce redness and acne because of its anti-inflammatory properties (Gray, p. 93).  It is also used in the ear, nose, and throat to reduce swelling.  Fireweed is used as an astringent (Keane, p. 40).

Some cultures add Fireweed to their dog food. Can be used to treat boils and cuts by placing a piece of the stem on the infected area.

Fireweed can diminish excess mucus production and accumulation.  It has antiseptic compunds to inhibit bacterial growth.  Using the root helps to prevent wounds from becoming infected. (Belacourt, p. 25)  The leaves can be chewed and applied to bruises, and the roots peeled and chewed and applied to  boils to treat or prevent infection (Métis Elder, published in Marles et al, p. 212).

Fireweed tea has been used as a mild laxative for dispelling worms and digestive upsets (Gray, p. 92) such as dysentery, cramps, and "summer bowel troubles" (Foster & Duke, p. 196).

 

Children pull the flowers off the stem to suck out the nectar. (Belacourt, p. 25)  The flowers add bright flavour to tea.  You can find some really nice tea blends that include fireweed from Strong Nations (gifts, books & publishing), an Indigenous-owned business in the traditional Snuneymuxw territory around Nanaimo, BC.

The shoots can be cooked like asparagus. The flowers and young leaves can be eaten raw; they're slightly sweet, and very mildly astringent. The leaves, stems, and flowers are edible in the spring but become tough and bitter in summer. You can split open  the stems of old plants and eat the pith raw. They are a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. (Gray, p. 93)

The plant can be boild to make a beverage (Cree Elders, published in Marles et al, p. 211).

Another type of fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis), which has yellow flowers, may be toxic to humans and horses (Colegate, 2008). The fireweed in-flower is the most toxic. When ingested it can be toxic to the liver and neurological system eventually leading to death.

The dried stems have been used for smoking like tobacco (Dene Elder, published in Marles et al, p. 211).

Beaded pins of Fireweed were created during the COVID-19 pandemic and given to frontline healthcare workers. ("Yukon beaders...", 2020)