Fireweed Wayside at Western Arctic National Parklands

Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) has medicinal qualities, surprising many flower lovers

NPS/Lauren Utykanski

Quick Facts

Location:

Northwest Arctic Heritage Center garden, Kotzebue AK

Significance:

Medicinal Plant

Amenities

3 listed

Cellular Signal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Wheelchair Accessible

Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium), also called pamiuqtaq or quppiqutaq in Iñupiaq, is one of the most commonly seen and known wildflowers of Alaska. It's no surprise as its beautiful, tall stalk filled with small pink-purple flowers demands attention.

Many collect the flowers of this plant and turn it into a delicious jelly! The shoots can be eaten boiled or steamed to be eaten in a salad. Or you can enjoy them in seal oil along with meat or fish. 

Others use the flowers as indicators of how soon the seasons will change. The plant's typically take turns blooming, starting at the bottom and working its way up the stalk. It is said that when the Fireweed's topmost flowers bloom, Fall will be upon the area in two weeks.

But did you know it also has medicinal qualities as well? A tea made from the leaves can be used for an upset stomach and to stimulate the bowels. A combination of boiled stems, leaves, and flowers has antispasmodic properties, which can help with asthma and coughs. Root poultices, made from cutting, boiling, and mashing the root, can also be used to help draw infection from wounds.

Sources:

• Jones, Anore. Plants That We Eat: Nauriat Nigiñaqtuat. Univ. of Alaska Press, 2010.
• Garibaldi, Ann. Medicinal Flora of the Alaska Natives: a Compilation of Knowledge... Alaska Natural Heritage Program, Environment and Natural Resources Institute, University of Alaska Anchorage, 1999.
• Schofield, Janice J. Discovering Wild Plants: Alaska, Western Canada, the Northwest. Alaska Northwest Books, 1995.