EPLIOBIUM angustifolium

Discussion in 'Annuals, Biennials, Perennials, Ferns and Bulbs' started by Barbara Lloyd, Apr 21, 2009.

  1. Barbara Lloyd

    Barbara Lloyd Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,024
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Anacortes, Washington, USA
    Is EPLIOBIUM angustifolium, aka Firweed an allergen? Daughter & D-I-L were weeding today and pulled a goodly amount of young fireweed. About 1/2 hrs later both developed really itchy skin (no rash). I lasted about an hr to Hr & 1/2, then went away after washing w/ soap & water. Any ideas or are they just super sensitive?
    barb
     
  2. greengarden bev

    greengarden bev Active Member

    Messages:
    86
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    SW Ontario, Canada
    I would say that the Fireweed was not the cause. I had it my garden last summer (and spent a lot of time digging it out ...) with no skin trouble.

    A quick check with Plants for a Future suggests that Fireweed has been used as an anti-inflammatory and skin soother-- more evidence to rule it out:

    http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Epilobium+angustifolium
     
  3. Barbara Lloyd

    Barbara Lloyd Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,024
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Anacortes, Washington, USA
    Green Garden Bev,
    Thanks for the info, will look for other causes. Sounds like Fireweed may be like Fever Few. To be used as a soother to other irratants.
    barb
     

Share This Page