This is the first time I recall seeing Fireweed that has a form like this.
Observation by Mike Brubaker:
I read the post by Holly Dean about multi headed fireweed in Ester, and it reminded me that we had some strange fireweed on our property. I went out to take a look and found several together with a faciated (?) stem or stalk. This is the first time I have recall seeing this before.
Comments from LEO Editors:
In Holly Dean's observation about unusual looking fireweed in Ester, Justin Fulkerson, Research Botanist at the Alaska Center for Conservation Science, wrote that the multiple heads was due to a genetic mutation unrelated to climate or weather. We are curious to see how widespread this occurrence is and encourage all LEO members to send in their observations!