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"Fireweed, Blooming Sally, Blooming Willow, Fire-top, French Willow Herb, Great Willow Herb, Persian Willow, Purple Rocket, Wickup, Wicopy"

Onagraceae Family - Epilobium from the Greek meaning "upon or above the pod" referring to the manner in which the flowers keep blooming above the seed pods as they develop lower on the flower spike. Angustifolium comes from the Latin for "narrow leaf".

Found mostly in the northern portions of the Tallgrass Region on recently burned areas or where the soil has been disturbed. Blooms are purple to pink (rarely white) and grow on strong, erect stems to seven feet tall. Blooms from June to September. Very showy plant.

The roots were used to wash swellings and as a poultice for boils. Chippewas used fresh or dried leaves made moist as a poultice for bruises or splinters. Western Indians scooped the pith from the stems to eat raw, cook as a thick soup or bake into breads. New shoots were eaten raw or cooked like asparagus.