Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of the Glen Alps area, the Middle Fork Loop Trail provides a picturesque backdrop for botanist Marilyn Barker and her spirited Australian shepherd, Cassi. At 82 years old, Barker, a retired biology professor and founding member of the Alaska Native Plant Society, has dedicated much of her life to studying and sharing her passion for the wildflowers of Alaska.
Each year, the peak season for wildflowers unfolds between June and July, transforming the trails into a vibrant display of color and life amid the subalpine and alpine environments. The contrast of the wood boardwalks with the lush greenery sets the tone for a day filled with exploration and appreciation of Alaska’s unique flora.
Barker emphasizes the importance of understanding the correct botanical names, often relying on the authoritative text “Flora of Alaska and Neighboring Territories” by Eric Hulten for education purposes. This focus helps to ensure that the common names of plants, which can vary frequently, do not hinder the learning experience of those keen to appreciate Alaska’s plant life.
As Barker walks the trails, she encounters a variety of wildflowers, each with its own story and significance. One such flower is the wild geranium, or Geranium erianthum. Thriving in both sunlight and shade, this resilient plant is found throughout Southcentral to Southeast Alaska, including the Aleutians. Barker recalls a memorable moment when she placed wild geraniums on her kitchen table only to discover their seeds had spread as far as eight feet away, a testament to the plant’s unique ability to catapult seeds for propagation.
The journey also brings Barker face-to-face with the corn lily, or false hellebore, scientifically known as Veratrum viride. Noted as one of Alaska’s deadliest plants, its pale yellow flowers transition into fruit capsules. While it has medicinal uses when used properly, all parts, especially the roots, are extremely toxic if ingested.
Another notable plant is the Indian paintbrush, or Unalaska paintbrush (Castilleja unalaschcensis). These wildflowers exhibit an array of vibrant colors, although yellow predominates in Southcentral Alaska. They flourish in coastal and subalpine meadows, adding a splash of color to the landscapes they inhabit.
Barker also highlights Merten’s sedge (Carex mertensii), whose triangular stems can reach heights of up to three feet. The plant’s unique structure allows it to self-fertilize, emphasizing the remarkable adaptations of native flora. The rhyme “Sedges have edges, rushes are round, grasses are hollow right through the ground” serves as an easy mnemonic for distinguishing among these grassy families.
Among the well-known wildflowers, fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) stands out as a quintessential symbol of the Alaskan wilderness. Commonly the first flower to emerge in areas affected by disturbances, such as wildfires, fireweed’s blooms herald the arrival of summer. Locals often use its blooming pattern to signal the changing seasons.
Foraging enthusiasts will find pleasure in the various plants along the trail, including sitka valerian (Valeriana sitchensis), which boasts several medicinal properties. Its calming effects make it a popular natural sleep aid, and Barker shares a folklore tale about it being placed in pillowcases to inspire sweet dreams.
However, caution must be exercised when encountering the cow parsnip (H. lanatum), affectionately known as wild celery or pushki. This plant’s sap can cause rashes when exposed to sunlight after skin contact. Nevertheless, its tender center can be eaten in early spring, offering a rare edible treat among the wild forests of Alaska.
Tall groundsel, also identified as arrowleaf, exhibits its feature of triangular, toothed leaves and yellow flowerheads across subalpine meadows. Meanwhile, the trailing raspberry (Rubus pedatus) earns a nickname as a “raspberry wannabe,” producing fewer drupelets than traditional raspberries but offering tiny edible fruits alongside its attractive white flowers.
Alaska’s flora also includes the striking monkshood (Aconitum delphinifolium), notorious for its toxic properties. While the rich purple blooms are safe to touch, all parts of the plant are harmful if ingested, necessitating caution when handling this striking flower.
The delicate prickly wild rose (Rosa acicularis) attracts admiration with its light pink flowers. Barker points out key differences between the prickly wild rose and the Nootka rose, emphasizing the knobby thorns of the former, which make it more difficult to handle. However, the rosehips from both species can be harvested to create delectable syrups.
Barker’s exploration introduces lesser-known gems like grove sandwort (Moehringia lateriflora), often mistaken for chickweed and widely found across the state. The petite, five-petaled flowers contribute to the diverse tapestry of Alaska’s botanical landscape.
In wet habitats, the burnet (Sanguisorba stipulata) flourishes, showcasing its reddish-purple or white flowers on tall stems. This member of the rose family thrives in moist environments, adding another layer of diversity to the floral scene.
The captivating bog candle (Platanthera dilatata) emerges next, recognized for its fragrant white flowers clustered along its stem. Often found in similar wet areas, this orchid captures attention with its delicate beauty.
On the darker side of the botanical spectrum is death camas (Zigadenus elegans), whose very name signifies danger. Its yellow flowers, arranged in large clusters, can pose significant risks if consumed, particularly when fresh. Weighty knowledge on the plant’s toxicity is crucial for anyone venturing into the wild.
The enchanting twinflower (Linnaea borealis) presents an alluring sight, with its bell-shaped flowers releasing a lilac-like fragrance to attract pollinators. Thriving in diverse environments, twinflowers can be spotted in forests, bogs, and rocky shorelines throughout Alaska.
As Barker strolls through the vibrant landscape, she occasionally pauses, fully immersed in the natural beauty surrounding her. During her hour-and-a-half-long trek, she introduces an array of wildflowers, each one with a unique place in Alaska’s ecological tapestry.
“It’s stunning with flowers right now,” she asserts enthusiastically. “You’ve got everything from orchids to roses out there.”
Each spring, Barker dedicates her time to teaching a wildflower identification course through the Alaska Botanical Garden, passing on her extensive knowledge to the next generation of nature enthusiasts.
With her passion for Alaska’s native plants and commitment to education, Barker continues to inspire those around her to appreciate and protect the unique biodiversity of the Alaskan wilderness.
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