Fireweed

Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) is a perennial herbaceous plant. Often found in open fields and meadows, particularly on burnt sites after forest fires or forest clearings. This spiky magenta-flowered plant is another one of those wildflowers that I remember finding in abundance in my childhood.

Fireweed as been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and is used for skin problems such as diaper rash. It is used in after-sun and after shave products, as well as in mouthwash for sore gums.

Fireweed is the official flower of the Yukon.

Note: The colour is actually more magenta than in my photographs which make the fireweed pictured here seem purple.