I just learned a little about Alaskan Fireweed; named for its striking blooms and tall stalks.  Patches of fireweed can be seen growing throughout Alaska's more temperate regions; also found in my home town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Here in Alaska it is a means for telling how far into summer we are.   In mid to late summer fireweed begins blooming in the middle of the stalk, with each successive flower blooming just above the one before it.  As summer progresses the blooms move up the stalk.  As the last flowers are blooming at the top of the stalk, the earliest blooms seed and turn to cotton.   When the fireweed turns to cotton, Alaskans say there are about six weeks until winter begins.  The close up picture posted here was taken the first week in August.  (oh-by the way.. the silvers are in and I scheduled a fishing trip this week)