Medicinal plant

Fireweed

Chamerion angustifolium

An astringent, wound-tending plant of open, disturbed ground. Also called Rosebay Willowherb.

An astringent and vulnerary plant of open, disturbed ground and burned-over land, traditionally used topically for minor wounds and irritated skin.

Properties

Astringent — Tightens and tones tissues; often drying

Vulnerary — Supports healing of wounds or damaged tissue

Energetics
Cooling Drying Toning
Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium), historical botanical illustration

Growing and using it

Life cycle

Rhizomatous herbaceous perennial.

What to buy

Straight-species fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) seed or native-plant nursery plugs.

Best way to start

Plugs for speed; seed for establishing a larger naturalized patch.

Seed starting

Surface sow. Fall/winter sowing is easiest; cold-moist stratification can improve spring-sown seed.