Fireweed plants are tall, with a single stem with smaller branches stemming off, all in a fluorescent pink. During fall months, the flowers will slowly turn into long seed pods that eventually pop open to reveal a ton of seed attached to an array of cottony fibers. (Turner and Gustafson, 2006.)

The cotton like material from the inside of the plant was taken out and then spun into several thin cords, becoming a medium dusty string. The cotton from the plant was also mixed with duck down and other soft things and then spun into a fiber that was woven into blankets. For food purposes, if you peel the outer stem off of the plant reveals a sweet core in the middle that you can eat raw or steamed. It has also been used as medicine, small amounts can be used to fight coughs, the flu, and tuberculosis. (Deur, 2006.)

Fireweed can be found in parts of western north america. It grows either in singular flowers or in large patches along roadsides, open valleys, stream edges, and forests.

In order to grow fireweed successfully, it needs to be raised in an area with well drainage, preferably moist to wet soil, with the option addition of fertilizers.  They grow their best in open, full sun locations but they can be tolerable to some shade if necessary and/or not temporary. (Prarire Nursey).