https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/240087993
This patch of ciilaaq/fireweed is in an area of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge that burned in the summer of 2019. Some areas of that burn have transitioned out of having much fireweed because some other brush has grown in, but this particular hillside where I was hiking is still largely dominated by it.
Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) can be found in all parts of the United States except for the southeast (e.g. Texas, Florida, etc.). It is a perennial plant that grows in open meadows and disturbed areas, like burned areas and roadsides. The flower spikes can have up to 50 flowers. The seeds that each of these flowers has tufted silky hairs at the end, which can be caught by the wind to disperse the seeds. This white silk is visible on some of the plants in my photos.
Beyond being aesthetically pleasing, fireweed is used by people for a wide range of purposes. The young plant shoots in the spring and the flowers in the summer can be eaten. Dried and made into tea, fireweed has been used to treat fungus and yeast infections. It may also have some antihistamine properties.
Sources:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/chamerion_angustifolium.shtml
https://health.alaska.gov/dpa/Documents/dpa/programs/Nutrition/Family-Nutriton/Sheet-Fireweed.pdf
