In a Vase on Monday: Fireweed

7/16/2018

Nothing fancy today either after another very busy week, but one of my favorite wildflowers is in bloom right now and I just had to pick some to brighten the house! Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) blooms abundantly here in Maine. I love to see it, yet in a way its blooming is bittersweet to me, since once it is past its peak I start to realize that summer is already waning! It is called Fireweed because of its tendency to grow in areas that have been burned, but I think its other name, Rosebay Willowherb, is much prettier!

The plants are over 6 feet tall, which gives a nice size comparison with our huge jungle of Japanese Knotweed!

The flowers would be pretty enough for the garden in my opinion!

And now it's time to for me to go water the garden! I hope you all have a nice week. Don't forget to visit Rambling in the Garden today to see what others have picked from their gardens or fields today!

12 Comments

Cathy link

7/16/2018 11:33:40 am

Oh my, these are both such invasive species in the UK - hope they don't end up encroaching onto your garden! The rosebay willowherb certainly makes a very pretty filler for your vase

Joanna link

7/18/2018 06:17:02 pm

The Japanese Knotweed can be a pest, but we've managed to keep it in check at least! The rosebay willowherb is very common but I haven't heard any complaints about it here. We have a few good sized patches on our property but they haven't seemed to spread in the 9 years we've lived here.

AlisonC link

7/16/2018 12:35:05 pm

That is very pretty and looks great en masse in the vase and in the ground.

Joanna link

7/18/2018 06:17:38 pm

Yes it is quite a striking wildflower!

JanetLee

7/16/2018 05:05:20 pm

We have those in abundance here in Washington. I do enjoy seeing them bloom also. I was told it makes a great jelly but have not tried it yet.

Joanna link

7/18/2018 06:18:53 pm

Interesting! Is the jelly made from the flowers?

Kris P link

7/16/2018 06:30:33 pm

I'd prize any flower that grew that tall and makes, especially if it planted itself! Sadly, it seems to be another plant that doesn't grow in coastal Southern California.

Joanna link

7/18/2018 06:21:54 pm

It seems to like cool, northern climates and is quite common in Alaska, too I believe.
I guess every climate has something good and bad about it...you can probably grow a lot of tropical beauties I've never seen before! :)

Eliza link

7/16/2018 08:49:19 pm

Whoa, I didn't realize that fireweed grows so tall - we don't seem to have much of it around here. It is a pretty 'weed!'

Joanna link

7/18/2018 06:23:02 pm

I read that it can sometimes grow up to 10 feet tall, but I haven't seen it get that high here!

jason link

7/20/2018 04:02:46 pm

A very attractive plant, and I like the height. Wish I had room for it!

Joanna link

7/21/2018 07:05:12 pm

Yes it would look great in your garden! But maybe it is too invasive anyway...that's the only reason I can think why it hasn't already become a garden flower!

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I am a passionate gardener and seed-saver, who also enjoys playing the violin and accordion, running, spending time with my 4 golden retrievers, keeping chickens, photography, and reading.

In a Vase on Monday: Fireweed

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