This annual weed is easy to pull up, but it is such a powerfully multiplying plant, just all over the place in gardens and landscapes. The leaves have lots of points along the margins, but are not spiny or hurtful when touched. It loves to sneak in between other plants in full sun or part-shade. It surprises me when suddenly I spot one or a few among ornamental plants. It is native from Quebec & Maine to Minnesota and then southwards. It is in the Composite or Sunflower Family where most species bear composite flowers with both ray and disc flowers in a head. The ray flowers are often colorful and petal-like. The small disc flowers bear the seeds. This American Burnweed or Pilewort bears only the white disc flowers, no rays. Perhaps out in the wild, it might be useful as a food source to some kinds of beneficial insects. I think it is better to not call this Fireweed, as that name goes better with the genus of Epilobium where the species are pretty red or pink flowers that do really pop up after fires.

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Commonly found in cultivated crops and in gardens. Seeds have attached parachutes that facilitate wind dispersal. The plant will tolerate moderate shade. Needs somewhat moist and well-drained soil.

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