fireweed

~the Fireweed~

Epilolum angustifolium

- from the evening primrose family-

In Southern Tutchone the fireweed is called Kwan Sur.

Adopted as its official flower by the Yukon on March 27th, 1957, the fireweed can be found every where in the territory.

Fireweed is a staple in a traditional aboriginal diet, used as a fresh or cooked vegetable; enjoyed for the sweet pith; and for the tea brewed from its leaves. The fireweed is an ingredient in an anti-inflammatory poultice; and is used as a tobacco substitute.

Selecting blossoms to make fireweed jelly.

Fireweed jelly is delicious on bannock, pancakes, toast, spooned over yogurt or ice-cream. This year I made only eight small jars of fireweed jelly.