Written by Beth Baker
Updated: 32 minutes ago Published: 32 minutes ago
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Almost every state has a month set aside to celebrate native plants. In the Lower 48, that month is his April. For obvious reasons, that doesn't work very well in Alaska. With a formal proclamation from the Governor, starting in 2023, he will make May the official month to celebrate Alaska's native plants. This year, the Alaska Native Plant Society has also chosen to celebrate the year's native plants. With more than 2,500 Alaskan native plant species, choosing one wasn't easy. Should we have held a write-in candidate election? So what are your ranking choices? Well, this year a small committee chose…(drumroll)…the Willow-cockaded.
Prized for its beauty and practicality, fireweed is found throughout Alaska except in the far north above the Brooks Range. A partial list of indigenous names for fireweed in Alaska includes ch'deshtleq'a of Interior Dena'ina, tl'ik'desq'a of Upper Dena'ina Entrance, paniuqtaq of Inupiaq, lóol of Lingít, and ciilqaaq of Central Yup'ik. It is included. , Alutiiq's cillqaq, Unangax̂'s Chikaya Asicŝ. The previous scientific name was Epilobium angustifolium, but it was changed to Chamaenerion angustifolium, which is also difficult to pronounce.
You may not recognize willow when it first appears. small pink buds. And while you're not paying attention, a long stalk with buds comes out. But bumblebees and other pollinating insects are getting attention. When the buds open, they climb the stem one by one, and the insects move in search of nectar and carry pollen between plants. Earlier than anyone would like, the top flowers open, acting as nature's timekeeper and ushering in winter once again. The seed pods develop and release white fluff that transports the seeds to new ground. In a Swedish study, seeds of the fireweed were observed floating more than 330 feet above the ground. Once seeds reach this height, they can be dispersed 60 to 180 miles downwind. No wonder they are so popular.
Bears and other wildlife eat willow grass. What about humans? Ah, that's right. Who doesn't love willow honey sold at state fairs? Make syrup or steam baby fireweed shoots. Add a few sprigs to soups, casseroles, quiches, or stir-fries. Pickle unopened buds as a substitute for capers. Flowers brighten salads and produce delicious jelly. Fireweed tea is flavorful, but can cause diarrhea if consumed in excess. The Cooperative Extension Service provides tips and recipes for storing and preserving willow vinegar, scones, jellies, and willow honey. Hmm! Follow the 10% rule, forage responsibly, and avoid taking more at common foraging areas. Also, do not pull out the roots, as they will form future shoots.
What about its nutritional and medicinal properties? In her book Alaska's Wild Plants: A Guide to Alaska's Edible and Healthy Harvest, Janice Schofield writes that spring shoots are rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, and they contain mucilaginous It introduces that it is rich in mucilage, which is formed when cut into pieces and soaked in cold water. Water overnight. This mucus is especially helpful in soothing scratches and canker sores. A decoction of fireweed leaves and roots in boiling water or a poultice is also used medicinally.
The benefits of fireweed are not limited to food and medicine. In the aftermath of a wildfire, clouds of pretty pink flowers appear among the blackened trees. A pioneer species, fireweed is one of the first plants to arrive after a fire, helping the entire ecosystem by regenerating the soil. Vast fields of willows are formed not only from seeds but also asexually from underground stems called rhizomes that run horizontally just below the soil surface. Even if no pollinating insects emerge to carry pollen for sexual reproduction, willowbirds have other ways to survive. How clever!
We're excited to share a glorious Alaskan summer with Fireweed. Dr. Rita Blumenstein, an Alaska Native healer, said: “Fireweed heals the ground that has been damaged by fire or other destruction. It restores vitamins and life to the soil. It is gentle and healing. It is gentle and soothing to people.”
Beth Baker is an Eagle River resident who serves on the board of the Alaska Native Plant Society and on the planning committee for Alaska Native Plant Month.
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