fireweed

American  

[fahyuhr-weed] / ˈfaɪərˌwid /

noun

1. any of various plants appearing in recently burned clearings, as the willow herb, Epilobium angustifolium.

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fireweed British  

/ ˈfaɪəˌwiːd /

noun

1. any of various plants that appear as first vegetation in burnt-over areas, esp rosebay willowherb

2. Also called: pilewort.  a weedy North American plant, Erechtites hieracifolia , having small white or greenish flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)

3. an Australian rainforest tree, Stenocarpus sinuatus , having whorls of bright red flowers

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Etymology

Origin of fireweed

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85; fire + weed ¹

Example Sentences

Oregon grape to strengthen the liver, fireweed gel that helps with burns, cottonwood buds for healing cuts and scrapes, medicine for poor circulation and diabetes — the healing was all around us.

From Seattle Times

The land is dotted with dead “snags” surrounded by thick mats of crisscrossed fallen logs flanked by fireweed, a purple wildflower that thrives in the open spaces left by blazes.

From Scientific American

Writing through his troubles, Specktor offers consolatory beauty, much as fireweed blooms on hillsides after the destruction of a forest.

From Los Angeles Times

She walked down a white-carpeted aisle with her parents to an altar decorated with fireweed and roses.

From New York Times

“I have personally noticed that the honeybees in our hive love the fireweed when it’s blooming, and we have a lot of it.”

From Washington Times