Grandmother Birch on Fireweed

By Ruth Lapp (Grandmother Birch Forest Garden Designs); copied here with permission.

“Through destruction and adversity, from the ashes grows the fireweed, the most vibrant bloom…”
N’tso Ga / Elädzing ** Fran Morberg-Green

Lately, I have been contemplating the notion of ‘healing’– not only from the aches and pains that beset us all in our physical bodies, but more so, the hurts of our hearts and our spirit. I think we might all agree, this is truly a time for fireweed.

I have always loved fireweed. Growing up in Southern Ontario, I couldn’t wait to see my first patch of fireweed on my family’s yearly journey to Kirkland Lake, to visit my grandparents. Floral swatches of fuschia splashed against outcrops of mica-infused granite and boreal bogs of jackpine, as we drove the never-ending Highway 11 — heading north. I learned early that fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) did not shy away from pain or destruction, but rather she showed up – outrageously adorned – to soothe the burnt earth or clear cut forests.

I have often wondered why fireweed never became a celebrity at plant nurseries. After all, I really cannot think of a more beautiful botanical. And not only is she beautiful to behold, Chamerion angustifolium is perhaps one of the most widely beneficial plants to humans and wildlife alike.

In the early spring look for the first tender shoots of fireweed. Delicious! Some people say they taste like asparagus. I don’t really think so myself. I think they taste exactly like fireweed. Mid-summer leaves can be harvested and fermented to make the renowned Kapor tea or Ivan Chai of Siberia. And the flowers are used in jellies and jams. An infusion of fresh or dried leaves (not fermented) used topically heals burns (no surprise) and other skin ailments.

Spring shoots – try and pick them when they are first emerging as in the right photo:

Click on images for larger versions

Fireweed plays a significant ecological role in stabilizing and healing disturbed soil. She is also an important source of nectar for the ruby-throated hummingbirds, and is considered the honey plant of northern beekeepers.

Some folks consider fireweed a problem in pastures or an invasive in vegetable gardens. But I don’t think so. A pasture will only become invaded by fireweed if the pasture is mismanaged. And I can tell you from experience that a thick stand of fireweed can be delightful to plant a garden within. Fireweed’s thick, juicy roots can be dug and piled to make the most delicious compost. In my humble opinion, there really is nothing not to admire or desire about fireweed.

References

– The Boreal Herbal, by Beverley Gray. 2011. Aroma Borealis Press.

– Arboretum Borealis: A lifeline of the Planet, by Diana Beresford-Kroeger. (2010). The University of Michigan Press.

– Alaska’s Fireweed by George Anna Leigh. (2020)

Fireweed, Willowherb, Manitoba Department of Agriculture.