Harvesting Fireweed: Yukon's Official Flower

Fireweed is the official flower of the Yukon and can even be found on the territorial flag.

In the Northern Tutchone language, Fireweed is Huk'an gua and the Latin name is Chamerion angustifolium. Fireweed is abundant in the Yukon, and grows well throughout Canada. It thrives in many different kinds of environments. It is well known that fireweed loves areas that have been previously affected by wildfires. During the initial years following a forest fire, burn areas will be full of fireweed, creating an ocean of magenta and purple. In general, fireweed thrives in disturbed soils such as construction sites, gravel pits, campsites, and along roads and well used trails. However, it also grows well in most other areas, including forests, river banks and lake sides, and in meadows.

The seedlings stimulate new growth for the area and provides pollen for bees. Every part of the plant is edible and useful for tea, jelly, honey, salad, salves, balms and of course our soaps! 

Fireweed, when incorporated into creams, salves, soaps, washes, oils, and poultices, is very helpful for dry or inflamed skin conditions like rashes, eczema, and psoriasis. It is also used to help conditions such as acne, blemishes, and the discomfort associated with swollen skin resulting from insect bites, stings, bruises, and burns. Because it has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, it can help keep abrasions, cuts, and minor wounds clean and protected until they can be treated more thoroughly.

Fireweed is a wonderful support for people who have experienced trauma, White fireweed is especially helpful in trauma. White fireweed should never be harvested due to its rarity, but spending time with it can be exceptionally healing.

When fireweed is in full bloom during the summer, I head out on the land to harvest. Following teachings from our Elders, I acknowledge my ancestors, the land, and the plants and give thanks.

I look for patches that are abundant and full of blooms, picking flowers one by one or in clusters. I also harvest the leaves as they have wonderful benefits for the skin. Leaves are included in our soap as well.

I recommend gathering them in a basket or brown paper bag . Avoid plastic or materials that don’t breathe. Leaves and roots may be harvested in spring, leaves and flowers in the summer and roots in autumn.

I have several screens set up, but my favorite is the hanging drying rack from Lee Valley. I have also been known to take screens off my windows!

I check them every few days and gently move them around to ensure they are thoroughly dry.

When dry, I store them in big jars out of direct sunlight. I like to see the flowers so I use clear ones, but you can also use coloured jars as well. The flowers can even be stored in card board boxes until ready to use. 

Important notes:

Only pick when the blooms are dry and not after a rain. Otherwise they turn brown and may even mold.

Although tempting, don’t grip the stalk at the bottom and scrape upwards removing everything. Just take what you need.

Know whose traditional territory you are on and ask permission to harvest.

Leave blooms for pollinators.

Happy Harvesting!