Chamerion angustifolium
(Fireweed)
Chamerion angustifolium, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 1367
Chamerion angustifolium, along FR 788 near Los Pinos, Saguache Co. 3246
Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium, Black Powder Pass, Summit Co. 9683
Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium, Black Powder Pass, Summit Co. 4367
Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium, Black Powder Pass, Summit Co. 4362
Chamerion angustifolium, Chihuahua Gulch, Summit Co. 1597
Chamerion angustifolium, Miner’s Creek, Summit Co. 5906
Stem Leaves, Chamerion angustifolium, along FR 788 near Los Pinos, Saguache Co. 3250
| Scientific Name | Chamerion angustifolium | USDA PLANTS Symbol | CHANA2 |
| Common Name | Fireweed | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 566019 |
| Family | Onagraceae (Evening Primrose) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description | Life zones and habitat: Foothills to subalpine (5300 to 12500 ft.) (ssp. angustifolium above timberline); forests, meadows, streamsides. Plant: Erect, multi-stemmed perennial, 18 to 48 inches tall. Leaves: Lanceolate to elliptic, 2 to 8 inches long; alternate or the lower leaves opposite, sessile or nearly so; smooth surfaces and edges and prominent veins. Inflorescence: Terminal racemes of numerous (more than 15) pink or magenta flowers, each about 1-inch across with 4 petals and 4 narrower, pointed sepals beneath of a similar color; prominent protruding stamens (8) with dark anthers and white 4-lobed stigma that extends beyond stamens; inconspicuous bracts are not leafy. Bloom Period: July to September. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, "Guide to Colorado Wildflowers" by G.K. Guennel, "Alpine Flora of the Rocky Mountains" by Richard Scott, SW Colorado Wildflowers and SEINet. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2025
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains
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