When does Rosebay Willowherb bloom?

Chamaenerion angustifolium typically blooms from June through September, producing tall spikes of pink flowers that attract various pollinators.

What pollinators visit Rosebay Willowherb?

This native plant attracts bees, butterflies, and moths with its nectar-rich flowers during its extended bloom period.

What growing conditions does Chamaenerion angustifolium prefer?

Rosebay Willowherb is adaptable to full sun through partial shade and prefers medium to high moisture conditions, making it suitable for various garden settings.

Is Fireweed HOA-friendly?

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

Fireweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Chamaenerion angustifolium

Last reviewed: August 2026

Chamaenerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) is a native perennial forb that blooms from June through September with tall spikes of pink flowers. This adaptable plant thrives in various light conditions and attracts bees, butterflies, and moths.

Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) — Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

24"–60" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 42 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Deer

Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)

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 426 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Great Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Madrean Archipelago Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Rosebay willowherb is a tall perennial wildflower that produces striking spikes of bright pink-purple flowers from summer through early fall. This native plant forms upright colonies and thrives in partial shade with moderate moisture, making it suitable for naturalized areas and woodland edges.

Growing Fireweed

Grow Fireweed in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

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.

Spreads aggressively and can look weedy
Very tall growth may appear uncontrolled
Common name includes 'weed' which raises HOA concerns

Wildlife value

Host plant for fireweed clearwing moth, bedstraw hawkmoth.

The long blooming period provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and moths throughout the growing season. Seeds also attract birds in late fall.

Common questions

When does Rosebay Willowherb bloom?: Chamaenerion angustifolium typically blooms from June through September, producing tall spikes of pink flowers that attract various pollinators.
What pollinators visit Rosebay Willowherb?: This native plant attracts bees, butterflies, and moths with its nectar-rich flowers during its extended bloom period.
What growing conditions does Chamaenerion angustifolium prefer?: Rosebay Willowherb is adaptable to full sun through partial shade and prefers medium to high moisture conditions, making it suitable for various garden settings.
Is Fireweed HOA-friendly?: 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.

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

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