It's Fireweed Season: A Time to Celebrate Summer
The Fireweed is in full bloom, which means that summer is in full swing! For the Tlingit people, Fireweed serves as a timekeeper, letting them know that summer is coming to an end and snow is on its way. According to traditional wisdom, when Fireweed starts blooming, there are only six weeks left until summer's end. Similarly, when it starts seeding, there are six weeks until the first snowfall.
Fireweed, also known as Chamerion angustifolium in scientific terms, gets its name from its remarkable ability to thrive in areas that have been devastated by fire. This incredible plant has a strong affinity for disturbed environments, whether they are moist or dry, such as clearings, roadsides, and riverbeds. What's even more fascinating is how fireweed disperses its seeds. Every autumn, thousands of silky tufts are released into the air, allowing the wind to carry them far and wide. And that's not all! Fireweed has an underground root system called rhizomes, which are often left untouched by the fire. These rhizomes play a vital role in the plant's regenerative capabilities, allowing it to rapidly regrow during the following summer. As a result, fireweed acts as a natural stabilizer of the soil and a powerful deterrent against erosion.
The presence of Fireweed attracts wildlife and pollinators. In June, bears enjoy feasting on the tender young shoots, while deer find the flowery stalks irresistible. Fireweed fields are full of native bumblebees, and beekeepers often create nearby fields to provide a food source for their bees.
Not only is Fireweed important for wildlife, but it also has various health benefits and is edible. In Alaska, you can find a variety of products featuring Fireweed, like tea, jam, jelly, syrup, and honey. The beautiful flowers can even be added to salads to make them more colorful. For centuries, Fireweed has been used for traditional medicinal purposes. It has anti-inflammatory properties and contains essential minerals like iron, phosphorous, calcium, and magnesium. Plus, it's rich in vitamins E and B complex, as well as carotene.
Now, the most important question: what does Fireweed taste like? It has a delicate and slightly sweet flavor with hints of mint and floral undertones. The tender leaves of the plant offer a subtly tangy and refreshing taste.
With all this newfound knowledge, let's take a taste with a Fireweed-inspired recipe. Here is a recipe I found on the University of Alask Fairbanks, Cooperative Extension website Fireweed | Cooperative Extension Service (uaf.edu).
Scones sound so good. I'll be trying this one soon!!
Fireweed Scones
2 cups flour
¼ cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons butter
1 cup sour cream
1 egg yolk
½ cup fireweed blossoms
Mix dry ingredients together. Cut the butter into five pieces and cut it or mix with fingers into dry ingredients until crumbly. Mix sour cream and egg yolk together and mix with dry ingredients until all ingredients are combined. Dough will be sticky. Turn out onto a floured surface and sprinkle blossoms on top. Knead lightly (only about 10 times) to mix flowers in. Pat out into a square about ¾ inch thick. Cut into four squares and cut each square diagonally to make eight scones. Bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
