Is EPLIOBIUM angustifolium, aka Firweed an allergen? Daughter & D-I-L were weeding today and pulled a goodly amount of young fireweed. About 1/2 hrs later both developed really itchy skin (no rash). I lasted about an hr to Hr & 1/2, then went away after washing w/ soap & water. Any ideas or are they just super sensitive? barb
I would say that the Fireweed was not the cause. I had it my garden last summer (and spent a lot of time digging it out ...) with no skin trouble. A quick check with Plants for a Future suggests that Fireweed has been used as an anti-inflammatory and skin soother-- more evidence to rule it out: http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Epilobium+angustifolium
Green Garden Bev, Thanks for the info, will look for other causes. Sounds like Fireweed may be like Fever Few. To be used as a soother to other irratants. barb
