[6] It is an erect, glabrous (smooth stemmed) herb that grows up to 20–60 cm in length.

Leaves are alternate, narrow-lanceolate to elliptic in shape, usually bright green, smooth with margins that are lobed, serrate or entire.

The broader, larger leaves are stem clenching and fleshy, 2–7 cm long and 3-10mm wide.

[8] It is found in pastures, open woodlands, grasslands, suburban bushland, roadsides, disturbed sites, wastelands, parks and coastal environments in subtropical and warmer temperate regions.

Symptoms of poisoning from fireweed include gradual weight loss, jaundice, fluid in the lungs, blindness, sudden death without any other indications, aimless wandering, muscular coordination, twitching of the head muscles, abdominal straining, rectal prolapse, and irritability.