Chamerion angustifolium

(Fireweed)

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Chamerion angustifolium, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 1367

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Chamerion angustifolium, along FR 788 near Los Pinos, Saguache Co. 3246

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Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium, Black Powder Pass, Summit Co. 9683

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Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium, Black Powder Pass, Summit Co. 4367

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Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium, Black Powder Pass, Summit Co. 4362

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Chamerion angustifolium, Chihuahua Gulch, Summit Co. 1597

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Chamerion angustifolium, Miner’s Creek, Summit Co. 5906

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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 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains