Chamerion angustifolium - Fireweed - Plant

Description

• Onagraceae Myrtales
• Europe, temperate Asia, North America
• H 1.6m x W 0.5m
•  Z3 
• Deciduous perennial
• Synonyms: Great Willow Herb, Antony's Laurel, Bombweed
• 1 Plant with bare root

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Details

Fireweed belongs to a genus of nearly 200 species

It is a mid-mountain plant which is found naturally in cold areas of the northern hemisphere

It grows on cool soils, preferably acidic, in partial shade or full sun

Chamerion angustifolium forms large tufts of erect stems on which are lanceolate leaves pretty fresh gree

Graceful spikes of bright purple flowers above foliage, nectar-producing and very attractive to bees

Flowering takes place continuously throughout the summer

Fireweed colonizes an area through its rhizomatous roots

The plant also spreads through its cottony seeds carried by the wind

Yet it is not invasive

Cultivated mainly as an ornamental plant, it is also used to make herb tea in Scandinavian countries (flowers)

Its young leaves and young stems (young only) are edible cooked

Chamerion angustifolium has many medicinal properties: Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Softener, Poultice, Emollient, Hypnotic, Laxative, Tonic

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Cultivation

Plant Epilobium angustifolium on fresh soil, near the shade of trees, in an embankment, as isolated subject, or at the rear of a high garden bed

Flowering takes place every year

The plant grows back from its roots in spring

In winter, cut the dry stems at ground level, this is probably the only maintenance work