Photo: SphlCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
American Fireweed Plant Care
Erechtites hieraciifolia (L.) Raf. ex DC.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its serrated, lance-shaped leaves. It originates from North America and is highly desirable to plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to attract pollinators to the garden.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for American Fireweed?
Water American Fireweed every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the American Fireweed Native To?
What Is the American Fireweed?
American Fireweed (Erechtites hieraciifolia) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Erechtites genus. American Fireweed is native to the Americas. American Fireweed is also known as Fireweed, Pilewort, Ragweed.
American Fireweed displays a tall, upright annual growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. American Fireweed produces small, greenish-white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a American Fireweed?
Erechtites hieraciifolia requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the American Fireweed Need?
American Fireweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the American Fireweed Prefer?
Erechtites hieraciifolia grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. American Fireweed prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a American Fireweed?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for American Fireweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a American Fireweed?
Feed American Fireweed every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a American Fireweed?
Repot annually in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a American Fireweed?
American Fireweed can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to prodromus systematis naturalis regni vegetabilis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the American Fireweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list American Fireweed, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the American Fireweed?
American Fireweed is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the American Fireweed Need?
American Fireweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. American Fireweed is native to the Americas.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
American Fireweed is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Erechtites genus — compare its care with other Erechtites species on PlantoScan.
Erechtites is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
American Fireweed thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Erechtites Species
Other Erechtites species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Erechtites hieraciifolia (L.) Raf. ex DC., family Asteraceae — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list American Fireweed, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Sphl, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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