[fs.usda.gov] Habitat, Size, Seeds, Native American Use of Seeds: Fireweed is a tall showy wildflower that grows from sea level to the subalpine zone. A hardy perennial, fireweed stems grow from 4 to 6 feet high but can reach a towering 9 feet. A single fireweed plant can produce 80,000 seeds! The delicate fluffy parachutes can transport seeds far from the parent plant. The fluff was used by native peoples as fiber for weaving and for padding. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)

[fs.usda.gov] As Food: Fireweed was important to native people around the world. Choice patches of fireweed were even owned by high-ranking families in British Columbia. Tea was made from the leaves. High in vitamins A and C, fireweed shoots provided a tasty spring vegetable. Flowers yield copious nectar that yield a rich, spicy honey. Today, fireweed honey, jelly, and syrup are popular in Alaska where this species grows in abundance. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)