mjölkört

Mjöloört is the common name for Epilobium angustifolium, also known as fireweed. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Onagraceae family. This plant is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. Mjöloört is characterized by its tall, upright stems, typically reaching heights of 1 to 2 meters. Its leaves are lance-shaped and arranged alternately along the stem. The most distinctive feature of mjöloört is its showy spikes of bright pink to magenta flowers, which bloom during the summer months. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract a variety of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

Mjöloört thrives in a wide range of habitats, often colonizing disturbed areas like clearings, burnt sites, and roadsides, hence its common English name, fireweed. It is known for its ability to grow in poor soils and its rapid spread through rhizomes. Historically, the plant has been utilized for various purposes. The young shoots and leaves have been consumed as a food source, and the plant has been used in traditional medicine for its supposed anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. The fluffy seeds produced by the plant are dispersed by wind, contributing to its wide distribution. Mjöloört is a resilient and visually striking plant, often seen dominating open landscapes after disturbances.