American burnweed

American burnweed (Erechtites hieracifolia). Photo: Ria Malloy

Updated: February 27, 2023

Life cycle

American burnweed (Erechtites hieracifolia) is a native summer annual plant. It is also called fireweed or pilewort.

Growth habit

Height may range from 1 1/2 - 10 feet, alternate leaves with toothed margins, feathery white seedheads are a key identifying feature

Reproduction

Reproduces by seed that is wind dispersed

Conditions that favor growth

Pastures, open fields and can show up in home landscapes

Photos

Young plant

American burnweed

Photo: James H. Miller & Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, Bugwood.org

Management

Identify plant, monitor early, manual removal before seeds form. Can be dug out or manually pulled. 

 

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