Fireweed

Description:

Fireweed is an early succession species in disturbed sites, most notably areas burned by forest fires. Plants will grow up to 8 feet in height, but most will be shorter. Flowers are an intense pinkish red. Leaves are alternate and scattered up and down the stem.

Habitat:

I've found it in mountains, especially in new burns where it may cover entire mountains, but I've also found it in roadside ditches in northern Minnesota. This particular plant was located near Prince William Sound in Alaska.