Abundance of Fireweed on Popof Island
Observation: The fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) around Sand Point this year was in great abundance. Just last year, the fireweed was barely around and this year, they were everywhere. They also grew very tall. I'm just about 5 feet 2 inches and they are almost a good foot taller than me! Some community members are worried that the fireweed will over-run other plant species.
Resource:
- USDA Forest Service - Fireweed (ChamerionAgustifolium) Fireweed is a tall showy wildflower that grows from sea level to the subalpine zone. A colorful sight in many parts of the country, fireweed thrives in open meadows, along streams, roadsides, and forest edges. In some places, this species is so abundant that it can carpet entire meadows with brilliant pink flowers. Fireweed was important to native people around the world. Choice patches of fireweed were even owned by high-ranking families in British Columbia. Tea was made from the leaves. High in vitamins A and C, fireweed shoots provided a tasty spring vegetable. Flowers yield copious nectar that yield a rich, spicy honey. Today, fireweed honey, jelly, and syrup are popular in Alaska where this species grows in abundance. By Edna Vizgirdas
