Prickly Rose, Rosa acicularis
This pretty shrub is found throughout Alaska and is common in clearings and sunny openings in forested habitat. The five-petaled pink flowers are visible June to early July; in the fall, the bright red hips stand out against green vegetation.
Alaska gardeners may tell you that this is one of the most tenacious “weeds” in the garden. The rose spreads through suckers and once established, is nearly impossible to eradicate from a plot without extensive digging, tilling, and pulling. The miniscule thorns can be quite irritating – and difficult to remove due to their small size.
On the other hand, this plant has myriad uses. The petals can be used in salads or steeped in hot water for a fragrant tea. The most common use, however, is harvest of the the red fruits, or hips. They are loaded with vitamin C and can be eaten right off the bush (though they are quite tart and seedy) or processed into jam, tea, or syrup. Rose hips also contain significant amounts of vitamins A, B, E, and K, as well as the minerals calcium, iron, and phosphorus. Since they are prolific and widespread, it is not difficult to gather a substantial amount after fall’s first frost.
Cinquefoil, Potentilla sp.
This is another common flower found throughout Alaska, often in similar habitat as the prickly rose. Several species of Potentilla are found in the state. Most have bright yellow flowers with five petals, and differ primarily in habitat and growth habit. Depending on species, blooms might appear as early as May and continue through July.
Various species of Potentilla have both food and medicinal uses. The roots of one species can be harvested and added to stir fries and soups. Dried leaves can be used as a tea. For medicinal purposes, the entire plant is typically gathered and dried. This dried herb is an astringent and reputedly reduces inflammation in tissue.
Bluebells, Mertensia peniculata
When the bluebells start appearing on roadsides and in my yard, I know summer has truly arrived. These are usually the first wildflowers I see every year – their pale blue, bell- shaped flowers waver well above the fuzzy gray green leaves. This wildflower has a large range and can be found on riverbanks, in forests and in recently burned areas. It’s also frequently seen on roadsides.
As a member of the borage family, bluebells (also called chiming bells) are edible. The fuzzy leaves are something of a hindrance as a salad green; however, they leaves are reportedly a good addition to casseroles or soups when chopped. As with many Alaskan plants, dried leaves can also be added to herbal tea blends.
River Beauty, Epilobium latifolium
Also known as Dwarf Fireweed, this plant blooms much earlier than its better known cousin, Common Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium). River Beauty is often found on gravel bars and rocky slopes; their magenta colored blossoms often stand out in an otherwise gray landscape.
As an herb, both fireweeds are a source of nutrients, particularly in the early spring. The early, tender shoots contains vitamins A and C and are edible raw or lightly steamed. Leaves and flowers can be used as a tea; it may have a slight laxative effect, though, so is best used in moderation.
These four flowers are only a few of the hundreds of species of wildflowers found in Alaska, but are amongst the most common and easily recognizable. So the next time you see that spot of color along the side of the road, perhaps you’ll take the time to slow down and smell (or identify) the flowers.
