Appearance

Appearance

Size varies enormously, from a tiny plant 2–4 in (5–10 cm) tall with a few flower heads to a bushy plant 6 ft (2 m) or more, occasionally close to 10 ft (3 m). The thick green stems often branch, and the whole plant is aromatic when crushed.

Leaves

Alternate, toothed leaves 2–8 in (5–20 cm) long, ranging from unlobed to deeply lobed.

Flowers

Narrow, whitish flower heads with no showy petals, the tiny flowers mostly hidden inside a green cup of bracts. Heads appear in fall and are followed by fluffy white seed tufts.

Look-alikes

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• Burned areas
• Disturbed ground
• Construction sites
• Lakeshores

Range

Native from Newfoundland west to Saskatchewan and south to southern Florida and eastern Texas, plus the West Indies and tropical America. It has been introduced to Hawaii, as well as Europe and Asia.

Preferred conditions

Grows in disturbed soil in almost any habitat except very dry ones. It is most abundant after fire and on fresh construction sites, prefers moist ground and full sun, and does well in cities.

Life cycle

Seed dispersal

Each small seed carries a tuft of white hairs and drifts on the wind. It can sprout in response to fire, then fades back as other plants return.

Connected species

Ties with other wildlife

Birds eat the seeds as a minor food.

Pollinators

Mainly wasps and honey bees visit and pollinate the flowers.

Name and classification

About the name

Several varieties are recognized, including a coastal form called coastal fireweed (var. megalocarpus).

Conservation

IUCN Red List

LCLeast Concern·Low risk of extinction