Fireweed

Fireweed (Epilobium argustifolium) can be found starting to bloom around Juneau. It is a deep-rooted rhizome that is able to reestablish itself quickly after forest fires, which is the reason for it’s common name.

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Cranesbill

Cranesbill a.k.a.Wild Geranium (Geranium erianthum) showers the sides of the trails up Mt. Roberts.

For more fantastic flowers from around the world visit Today’s Flowers.

Bunchberry

Bunchberry (Cornus Canadensis a.k.a. Dwarf Dogwood) is one of my favorite Alaskan wildflowers. I photographed these ones blooming in a section of forest that parallels the Mendenhall River. I think they add a splash of color to the forest floor and come August and September they will have vibrant reddish orange berries. I was so happy to recently find a few blooming in our yard next to some ferns I transplanted last summer.

Marsh Marigold

Marsh Marigolds

Common Name: Marsh Marigold
Scientific Name: Caltha palustris
Family: Buttercup, Crowfoot/Ranunculaccae
Habitat: Marshes, Streams, and occasionally around Lakes
Bloom Time: Early May to Late June (depending on how early spring arrives)
Edibility: Early spring greens are edible when fully cooked. This requires cooking the young leaves in 2-3 changes of water until barely tender. I like them cut in small pieces and drizzled with vinegar. They should only be eaten in small quantities.

Warning: NEVER eat the leaves raw. The mature leaves contain a toxic chemical called ranunculin.