Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium). The Latin species name translates to “narrow leaved”. The leaves aren’t pictured here, but rather the beautiful pink flowering part. The common name, “fireweed” is a reference to how this species colonizes areas after a fire. This plant also colonizes areas after other disturbances, like those caused by the advance and retreat of glaciers. For this reason, fireweed is prominent in areas around Glacier Bay that have yet to be forested. Photographer: Sean Neilson