FIREWEED: Purple, phlox-like flowers appear on tall spikes. Grows to 150 cm or more. Start in cell trays in April, direct seed in late fall or early spring. Do not cover the seeds, press them into the soil. A little wood ash sprinkled overtop will do them wonders. Likes full sun, but will grow in almost any light conditions. As with many native species, fireweed fills a certain niche in the ecosystem. Usually the first plant to emerge after a fire, hence it's name, fireweed is an early  successional plant that eventually gets choked out by grasses and other plants. Works well for erosion control on newly broken or damaged land. Nice, tall backdrop species in the garden.   100 seeds.    NF740