Quick answer: Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) is native to 37 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: kallerna, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Moist |
| Soil | Disturbed soil in cool areas, lowlands to mountains |
| Bloom | Bloom Jun-Sep |
| Height | Up to 6 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Attracts bees, moths, and hummingbirds, larval host for white-lined sphinx moths, special value to native and honey bees |
Aggressive spreader in moist garden conditions via underground stems; not formally regulated.
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Fireweed
Where is Fireweed native?
Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) is native to 37 states across the Northeast, Midwest, South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Fireweed bloom?
Fireweed blooms Jun-Sep. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Fireweed need?
Light: Sun. Water: Moist. Soil: Disturbed soil in cool areas, lowlands to mountains. Mature height: Up to 6 ft tall.
Is Fireweed good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts bees, moths, and hummingbirds, larval host for white-lined sphinx moths, special value to native and honey bees.
Where can I buy real Fireweed seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Chamerion angustifolium on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Fireweed.
- Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
- Red-osier dogwood Cornus sericea
- Canada wild rye Elymus canadensis
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
- Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.