Willowherb

"Willowherb" (Epilobium ciliatum??)

2007 September 17

2007 September 19

2007 September 19

2007 September 19

These plants hybridize readily so I am loathe to name the species though I think this one is Epilobium ciliatum. This plant grows in moist locations ... I found the picture from September 17th at a different lake than the last 3 pictures.

Fireweed

"Fireweed" (Epilobium angustifolium)

2008 May 21

2008 July 1

2008 July 1

2008 July 3

2007 July 16

2007 July 16

2009 July 15

2007 July 7

2008 October 12

A common sight most anywhere in our province. First Nation peoples put this plant to the following uses:

• applied it externally for eczema
• peeled the young stems and ate the pithy marrow raw
• boiled or steamed whole stems and ate them
• stem peelings were twisted into a twine for fishing nets
• fluff of the seed mixed with hair of goats or dogs ... no not for a potion ... for weaving or padding
• dried the leaves to use for a tea substitute (can produce a laxative effect)
• bees love the nectar of the flowers

This plant is one of the first to grow after a forest fire ... hence the name.