English

Scientific Name

Chamerion spp

Arapaho

xoowóó' (?)

Arapaho Meaning

'ceremonial lance'

Fireweed and the Arapaho

Oliver Toll recorded the above name for simply for 'some purple flower.' The word means 'lance,' but not the lance used in battle (which is bíixóó). Rather, the word refers to a ceremonial lance which has a crooked top, like a shepherd's staff. For that reason, the name may refer to Fireweed (see photo below), but this is only speculation at the moment.