Chamaenerion Latifolium, Broad-Leaf Fireweed

Day 294: The tall flowering stems of Fireweed will be recognizable to almost any resident of western Washington, but most people will be unaware that there is more than one species of Chamaenerion (formerly Epilobium) in the state. Chamaenerion latifolium (Broad-Leaf Fireweed, above) is a significantly shorter plant, more compact in nature, and its flowers are frequently larger and more robust than those of its cousin. Like Chamaenerion angustifolium, its seed pods (siliques) are long and slender, bursting to release seeds when they become dry. The seeds are borne aloft on fluffy white parachutes and may travel for miles before separating and dropping to the earth. In order for the tiny seeds to germinate, they must be scarified by fire to weaken the outer layer, hence the common name. Fireweed is often found in clear-cuts which have been deliberately burned over, a pioneer species whose eventual deterioration will contribute to a soil base in which other vascular plants can take root.