Controlling fireweed in the garden is a never ending battle. I am forever plucking stems of this plant from my garden. This time of year in Maine the fireweed is in bold full bloom. Weed or flower?

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Up close, it’s actually quite pretty attracting bees and butterflies.

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When left unchecked, fireweed aggressively takes over open spaces.

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Yet, the clusters of tall spires create a stunning summer show.

Weed? Or Flower? In my garden it’s a weed. In someone else’s space where I can admire its beauty – flower.