American Burnweed

Erechtites hieraciifolius

native


Other Names:
Pilewort, Fireweed, Sneezeweed


American Burnweed is a native plant in the daisy family that is found through much of the eastern two-thirds of North America as well as along the west coast of the United States. It is called Burnweed (or Fireweed), because it can grow on land that has been recently burned. It is also sometimes called Pilewort, because Native Americans used it to treat piles (hemorrhoids). The flowers are pollinated primarily by wasps. The seeds are wind-dispersed and are a minor food source for birds. The daisy family is called Asteraceae and has close to 33,000 species in more than 1,900 genera. Among the best known members are the familiar Common Sunflower and Common Daisy.

Identification Tools

Illinois Wildflowers Friends of the Wildflower Garden Go Botany

Ranges

North America Virginia

Burnweed
American Burnweed

Burnweed flowers
American Burnweed in bud

Burnweed flowers
American Burnweed in bloom. The flowers open no farther.

Burnweed
American Burnweed going to seed

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