FIREWEED
Erechtites hieraciifolius
SUNFLOWER FAMILY (Asteraceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - July, August, September, October
- Common in disturbed sites at FF & NW
- Loose clusters of green tubular flowers
- "Brush-like" pale yellow stamens protrude from tip of tube
This native annual grows up to 6 feet tall. A stout, ribbed stem holds many sharply toothed, pointed and lance-shaped leaves up to 8 inches long on its lower portion (C). Near the top of the stem the leaves are much sparser and smaller. Clusters of tubular flower heads form at the very top and from leaf axils near the top of the plant (A). Long green bracts form a tube enclosing the flower with only the pale yellow stamens protruding from the top (B) . As the flower matures, the tube opens revealing seeds with an abundance of soft white hairs, which are soon scattered by the wind (D).
This plant is common at both Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods where soil has been disturbed. It prefers damp floodplain habitat, but is often found in drier upland sites as well. Flowering occurs from July through October.
Fireweed was formerly used for a variety of medicinal purposes. The whole plant was brewed and used as an astringent in mucous-tissue ailments of the lungs, stomach and bowels.
Other common names include American Burnweed and Pilewort.
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