Dwarf Fireweed (Chamaenerion latifolium) is in the evening primrose family family (Onagraceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 960 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in July.
Nationally it blooms mainly from July to August, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Dwarf Fireweed: observations by month (U.S.)
About Dwarf Fireweed
Chamaenerion latifolium (formerly Epilobium latifolium, also called Chamerion latifolium) is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the English common names dwarf fireweed and river beauty willowherb. It has a circumboreal distribution, appearing throughout the northern regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including subarctic and Arctic areas such as snowmelt-flooded gravel bars and talus, in a wide range of elevations. This is a perennial herb growing in clumps of leaves variable in...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Dwarf Fireweed by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 684 | July | Jun–Aug |
| Washington | 103 | August | Jul–Aug |
| Colorado | 100 | July | Jul–Aug |
| Montana | 32 | July | Jul–Aug |
| Wyoming | 18 | July | Jul–Aug |
| Nevada | 10 | July | Jul–Jul |
| Oregon | 9 | August | Aug–Sep |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (evening primrose family)
Fireweed
California fuchsia
Pinkladies
Browneyes
Ruby Chalice Clarkia
Winecup Clarkia
California primrose
Broadleaf Enchanter's Nightshade
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Dwarf Fireweed?
Nationally, July has the most observations, with the main season from July to August.
Where is Dwarf Fireweed most often seen?
The most observations come from Alaska, Washington, Colorado.