Pilewort (Erechtites hieracifolia) Also known as Fireweed, this native annual plant is 2-8' tall and little branched, except at the top near the inflorescence. The central stem is round and largely hairless, with fine vertical lines that are dark green. The alternate leaves are up to 8" long and 3" across. The upper surface of the leaves is glabrous or has scattered white hairs, while the margins are coarsely serrated. The lower leaves have short petioles, while the smaller upper leaves are sessile. The root system is shallow and fibrous.