Pilewort  (Fireweed)

Erechtites hieracifolia

This annual weed prefers disturbed areas where it faces little competition from established plants. Atop the smooth stem appears a panicle of flowers, each consisting of many white or brownish disk florets, which are tightly surrounded by a sheath of smooth green bracts about 3/4 inch long, so that only the tip of the floret appears--looking like a bud that hasen't yet opened.  (And never does.)  After the "blooming" period, the bracts open to expose seeds with a fine fluffy pappus, to be carried off by the wind.  Leaves are closely attached to the stem, lanceolate and irregularly lobed or toothed, and can be up to 8 inches long. The lowest leaves may have a short petiole.

2-8 feet, sun - partial sun.  

Summer -Autumn (July-October).

  Leaves are sessile, lobed, and toothed.

29 August 2020.

Pilewort or Fireweed, 29 August 2020.

Pappus after blooming.

4 September 2020.