I sometimes wonder why fireweed isn't the state flower of Alaska. It sure seems to be the most abundant (at least throughout the Kenai Peninsula} and it is quite visually pleasing. It is also very prolific in the process of procreation and, in fact, sometimes is the first to revegetate land damaged by wildfire.

In this group of images, I have chosen to feature fireweed in its final stage. The white cotton full of seeds about to take flight to assure plant growth in coming years. To me this is a very attractive phase and maybe the most important.