PLANTS FURNISHING MEDICINAL LEAVES AND HEBBS. ; 43 
FIREWEED. 
Erechthites hieracifolia (.) Raf. 
Synonym.—Senecio hieracifolius L. 
Another common name.—Pilewort. 
Habitat and range.—Fireweed is found in woods, fields, and waste places from ( ‘anada 
to Florida, Louisiana, 
and Nebraska, springing 
up in especial abun- 
dance where land has 
been burned over, 
whence the name “‘fire- 
weed.”’ 
Description.—this 
weed is a native of this 
country and is an ill- 
smelling annual belong- 
ing to the aster family 
(Asteracee). The stem 
is from 1 to 8 feet 
in height, grooved, 
branched, and juicy. 
The light-green leaves 
are rather large, from 2 
to 8 inches long, thin in 
texture, lance shaped or 
oval lance shaped, the 
margins toothed or some- 
times deeply cut. The 
upper ones usually have 
a clasping base or are at 
least stemless, while the 
margins of those lower 
down narrow into the 
stems. 
Fireweed is in flower 
from about July to Sep- 
tember, the flat-topped 
clusters of greenish-white or whitish heads being produced from the ends of the stem 
and branches. The green outer covering of each flower head is cylindrical, with the 
base considerably swollen. (Fig. 35.) The seed is furnished with numerous soft 
white bristles. 
Collection, prices, and uses.—The-entire plant is used and is gathered in summer. 
The leaves turn black in drying. The price paid to collectors ranges from about 2 to 3 
cents a pound. 
An oil is obtained by distillation from the fresh plant. Fireweed has a disagreeable 
taste and odor. It has astringent, tonic, and alterative properties. 
219 
Fig. 35.—Fireweed ( Frechthites hieracifolia), leaves and flowering tops. 
