How much sun does Broad-leaf Fireweed need?

Broad-leaf Fireweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Broad-leaf Fireweed bloom?

Broad-leaf Fireweed blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Broad-leaf Fireweed native?

Broad-leaf Fireweed (Chamaenerion latifolium) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Broad-leaf Fireweed attract?

Broad-leaf Fireweed draws bees, butterflies, and moths.

Is Broad-leaf Fireweed HOA-friendly?

Broad-leaf Fireweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Broad-leaf Fireweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Chamaenerion latifolium

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Broad-leaf Fireweed (Chamaenerion latifolium) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies

Broad-leaf fireweed is a medium-height perennial wildflower with showy pink to purple flower spikes that bloom through summer. This native alpine plant has broad, silvery-green leaves and forms neat clumps that work well in xeriscaping. It goes dormant in winter, leaving behind attractive seed pods before dying back completely.

In an HOA neighborhood

Broad-leaf Fireweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Common name includes 'weed' which raises HOA red flags
Can look sparse or weedy when not in bloom
May spread beyond intended boundaries

Wildlife value

The abundant summer flowers provide excellent nectar for bees, butterflies, and moths.

Common questions

How much sun does Broad-leaf Fireweed need?: Broad-leaf Fireweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Broad-leaf Fireweed bloom?: Broad-leaf Fireweed blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Broad-leaf Fireweed native?: Broad-leaf Fireweed (Chamaenerion latifolium) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Broad-leaf Fireweed attract?: Broad-leaf Fireweed draws bees, butterflies, and moths.
Is Broad-leaf Fireweed HOA-friendly?: Broad-leaf Fireweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Broad-leaf Fireweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz