By Janelle Eklund
​It was one of those nice summer days - it had to be nice - we were at Silver Lake! My daily walk down the road always graces me with something new and beautiful. On this one particular day on the McCarthy road I had the pleasure of meeting Platanthera hyperborea, or the common name, green-flowered bog orchid. The common name surly got it right. Everything on this plant is green in one shade or another. I found it living in a wet area near a trailhead.
 
Leaves that are longer than they are wide hug the stem starting at the base. As they climb the stem they get smaller and smaller until they become bracts of the little flowerets - looking like a small filler in a beautiful bouquet. Each little floweret appears to be sticking out a long green yellow tongue. Two horn like petals of the same shade curve toward the center of the floweret. The cap has a light green visor that shades whitish green eyes, or anthers, lurking inside. The two petals that form its turned back floppy appearing ears are about the same color as the light green cap. The scientific name, hyperborea means 'of the far north'.
 
I have found no mention of any medicinal or edible qualities of Green-Flowered Bog Orchid. Beauty is its main quality. It was a delight and wonder to meet this jewel of a stately orchid growing in the far north.
 
From my light to yours-
 
References: Plants of the Western Boreal Forest & Aspen Parkland by Johnson, Kershaw, MacKinnon, Pojar

By Janelle Eklund
Lousewort dots the high tundra in the Copper River Basin dressed in different forms and beautiful hues. In this miniature plant kingdom Pedicularis labradorica's small clusters of yellow flowers sit like pinwheels on scattered branches. Whereas Pedicularis langsdorffii wears a full embodied regal dress in pink hues from top to bottom on a single stem.
 
Tiny toothed hairy leaves resembling ferns sit across from each other along the stem(s). On Pedicularis langsdorffii the white hairs on the leaves are thicker than those of Pedicularis labradorica - somewhat wooly - making them appear to be tightly nestled between the flowerets.
 
Each small floweret on Lousewort has a convenient wide landing surface for bees. An elegant colorful helmet acts as a roof over the landing platform. On Pedicularis langsdorffii the landing platform is a light pink with a darker pink helmet. Once a bee lands it is lured into a bright cavern with a dreamy like entrance. Inside, bees are awarded treasures of nectar.
 
Pedicularis is a parasitic plant. Its roots are modified to connect to the conductive system of another plants roots providing it with water and nutrients.
 
I looked extensively to find out where the common name, Lousewort, came from and could only find on Wikipedia that it "derives from an old belief that these plants, when ingested, were responsible for lice infestations in stock".
 
In past tundra wanderings I have met woolly lousewort (Pedicularis lanata), whose dress is much like Pedicularis langsdorffii with its floweret's covering the stem, but the leaves are surrounded by an even thicker wooly white hair like netting. Thus, its common name, Wooly Lousewort. Pedicularis lanata has a robust lemon colored taproot that can be quite long. This beautiful root has a sweet nutty flavor. Pedcularis langsdorffii roots are similar but paler and more branching. Both of these plant roots are edible and the Inuvialuit people of northern Canada utilize them for food, cooked or raw. The somewhat sweet blossoms of Pedicularis lanata are edible raw, as well as the leaves and stems.
 
The thick hairs on Louseworts hug the stem and act like insulation to protect it from the cold and wind, and help the plant to stay moist. In the cool days of spring, before the flowers emerge, they are protected by this wooly blanket. Once summer brings its warm breath the flowers break through the blanket of wool announcing their glorious splendor. Like wool on a sheep, the hairs have the ability to trap warm air so the plant can survive the harsh conditions of the north.
 
Look closely at plants and they will tell you the secrets of adapting to and surviving the rigors of a challenging environment.
 
From my light to yours-
 
References: http://www.nps.gov/bela/learn/nature/wildflowers.htm; https://en.wikipedia.org; www.flora.dempstercountry.org; www.nature.ca/aaflora; Inuvialuit Nautchiangit, by Inufialuit elders with Robert W. Bandringa.
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By Janelle Eklund
While walking through the field behind my house I encountered an old looking plant staring up at me. The yellow eye of the flower was surrounded by petals of disheveled looking white hair. Long slender leaves surrounded the base with some smaller ones climbing up the stem. The lower part of the leaves, the stems, and the bracts surrounding the flower head were covered with scattered short unshaven beard-like white hairs. Fleabane, looking like a 90 year old, was actually in its prime.
 
The scientific name is derived from Greek. 'Eri' means early and 'geron' means aged person, both referring to the 'worn out' look of the plant. Supposedly the common name 'Fleabane' got its name because it was believed to drive away fleas, plus its small seeds resemble fleas.
 
Fleabane is in the Aster family, blooming in spring and lasting most of the summer. I have also seen it growing in a gravelly area near Silver Lake on the McCarthy Road. There are many species of fleabane. I didn't take a real close look and compare to figure out the species, but the one at Silver Lake was shorter than the one in the field by my house.
 
According to the referenced web site below the properties of the fleabane "contain a bitter extractive, tannic and gallic acids and a volatile oil. It acts as an astringent, diuretic tonic. It is considered useful in gravel, diabetes, dropsy and many kidney diseases and is also used to alleviate diarrhea and dysentery.... It was once also used to alleviate inflamed tonsils and sore throats."
 
Find beauty even in disheveled worn out looking plants.
 
From my light to yours-
 
References: http://imnh.isu.edu/digitalatlas/bio/plants/magnphyt/asteridae/aster/erig/erigfr.htm
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By Janelle Eklund
Vast rolling alpine meadows create a kaleidoscope of colorful plants during summers reign. The Copper Basin is like a gigantic basin with four mountain ranges making up its sides - Alaska, Wrangell, Chugach, and Talkeetna. The high alpine slopes of these mountains are painted with a summer collage that can take your breath away. Standing in one of these meadows affords one a most joyful experience. Many colors, many different plants, all with exuberant cheerful faces.
 
Cassiope tetragona grows low to the ground, appearing like a mat on the tundra floor with its thick sturdy leaf stems somewhat resembling scales. Close to the top of each scaly leaf branch emerge at least two red to yellow stems with white bell shaped bonnets on the end. Nodding in the breeze they seem to be singing the Hallelujah chorus.
 
One summer we drove the Dempster Highway to Inuvik in Canada's Northwest Territories. This area is part of the circumpolar region and houses many of the same plants we see here in our alpine areas. While there we visited the Inuvialuit Arts and Crafts Shop where I found a wonderful book - Inuvialuit Nautchiangit Relationships Between People and Plants. It says that these native people have used Cassiope tetragona for several different comforts. They usually use driftwood for their fires but if they walk inland where there are no trees, Cassiope has been utilized. It has a high content of resin making it a dry plant and therefore excellent 'firewood'. Because of this high resin content it still burns in wet conditions. In early times these natives have even dug under the snow to access it in winter. They were careful to cut the stems only, leaving the roots for more to grow.
 
Long ago they used this plant for heating their homes and cooking meals. If driftwood was not available they used it to smoke their meat or fish - mainly to keep the flies away as it doesn't add any flavor. They have harvested the plant on the open tundra for flooring and bedding. It made a soft mattress with the addition of a sealskin on top or as stuffing in-between two seal skins sewn together, providing a layer of insulation and warmth with an added bonus of a pleasant scent.
 
The stems of Cassiope were placed on a hot stove surface to emit a nice incense that helped take the odor out of tents and snow houses. Smoldering small pieces of dried stem can deter insects. The plant will also give a pleasant scent in its fresh state rubbed between the palms of the hands.
 
Immerse yourself in the splendor and joy of plants.
 
From my light to yours-
 
References: Inuvialuit Nautchiangit relationships between people and plants, by Inuvialuit elders with Robert W. Bandringa
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By Janelle Eklund
If you can get above tree line to the tundra in the Copper Basin you are in for a real treat during the summer when all the high alpine flowers are blooming. As we got up above tree line overlooking the spectacular view of the Wrangell Mountains and sweeping landscape we were greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors. The land changed from trees to low bush shrubs to hummocky mounds dotted with flowers of many hues that took our breath away. One of these take-your-breath-away hues stood like stately bright pink torches lighting up the tundra. These Bistort torches delighted my spirit and brought back memories of young adult years roaming sacred alpine recesses. Being in communion with these sacred places brings a certain and special peace to the body and soul. They are places everyone should go, especially when the world seems like it is falling apart around you. They talk with you in silent moments. Your senses become attuned to the message conveyed - slow down - enjoy the beauty - be silent - take care - be happy - give thanks.
 
When I went on an adventure with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in 1973 it brought me to heights that shaped and formed where I am today. During that five week time spent in the Teton Mountains of Wyoming I was introduced to Bistort. One of the lessons was to learn as many of the edible plants as we could on our journey. Bistort was one of them. The leaves and roots were used in salads and soups or in a stir fry.
 
Bistort is derived from Latin. ‘Bis’ means twice and ‘tort’ means twisted. If you were to dig up the root of this plant your eyes would rest on a twisted creeping blackish root. Removing this outer layer of bark will reveal an inner reddish color that is rich in tannic and gallic acids. Gallic acid is found in plants or combined in tannins and used in dyes and writing ink. This plant is safe to use but, having high tannic acid, if used in large amounts over a long period of time can cause some digestive and kidney problems.
 
Bistort root is a very strong astringent medicine. It is able to stop bleeding both externally and internally, including nose bleeds, bleeding hemorrhoids, and hemorrhages from the lungs and stomach. It also helps with diarrhea, dysentery, cholera and many bowel problems. Powder the root and put a teaspoon in a cup of boiling water to drink, as needed internally. Use the dried powdered root externally to stop bleeding. Making a distilled water from the leaves and roots can be used to wash bee stings or any other venomous bite including sores and ulcers. The distilled water can also be used in the mouth to help firm up gums or as gargle for sore throat.
 
There are many uses of this plant that brings brightness to the tundra. Check out 'A Modern Herbal' by Mrs. M. Grieve for more insight into the good qualities of this lovely plant. If harvesting remember to only pick where the plant is abundant and leave some to continue the propagation.
 
Enter the alpine world and feast your spirit in its depths.
 
From my light to yours-
 
 
References: A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve; Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary.
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By Janelle Eklund
Scattered along roads and in the forest splashes of yellow accent the forest bouquet of other colorful plants dressed in pinks, blues, whites, creams, and reds.
 
Large leaves of Black-Tipped Groundsel are at its base. As I slide my finger along the edge of the long leaves I feel tiny pointy protrusions. One or two single smaller leaves grace the stem. Twirling the stem between my two fingers the surface feels bumpy. On closer inspection with my hand lens, ridges line the circumference of the stem.
 
At the top the main stem fans out into many smaller stems where miniature leaves - bracts - circle longer green bracts. The triangular tip of each miniature bract is painted black, thus the name Black-Tipped Groundsel. Small spider web like hairs surround the bracts. A handy hand lens opens up this small world. Long thin yellow petals twirl out from the circle of bracts. In the center yellow pistils explode like a circle of fireworks.
 
As I inspect the plant with my hand lens it focuses on a beautiful critter sitting on a leaf bract seeming to be in suspended animation. Transparent wings with dark lines running through them are attached to its green puffy body. Six legs with bent knees seem to be resting. A shiny ball looking like a drop of water rests at the base of its neck. Two tiny black eyes are looking directly at the black tip of a bract. Above the eyes two antennae protrude from its head. It only slightly moved once during my long inspection.  I don't know bugs very well but suspect it's an aphid. As much as we don't like these little critters, they are beautiful.
 
Invest in a hand lens and jump into the inner recesses of plants to explore their magical world.
 
From my light to yours-
 
References: Flora of Alaska and Neighboring Territories by Eric Hultén
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By Janelle Eklund
I enjoy each day greeting Astragalus americanus on my walk. They grow in graceful bunches about 18" high. It is fun to examine them getting up close and personal.
 
Opposite leaves attached to slender stems form a stair step pattern up a thick sturdy trunk. Back lighted leaves reveal lots of veins trailing off from the main center artery. The hand lens magnifies little hairs on the backs of the leaves scattered like the little hairs on your arm. Toward the top, long bare stems shoot upright from the base of leaf branches. At the top clusters of creamy green tinged flowers languidly wave in the breeze. Under close examination, each floweret arcs from stem opening into two tiny eared petals above an open jaw petal encased by two side petals whose ends look like little eyes when fully developed.
 
Using the senses to explore further, my hand tells me its leaves feel soft, my nose inhales its rich green aroma. As I bring my nose to touch the flowers they impart a slight hint of green sweetness. My ears listen to its quiet movement in response to winds breath. My taste buds welcome an intermingling of slight bitter sweetness from its leaves.
 
Astragalus americanus is important in the medicinal plant kingdom. It is almost identical to Astragalus membranaceus which is a very important herb in Chinese medicine (Moore 1993). Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi) is a key ingredient in Fu Zheng therapy (herbal treatment used to enhance the immune system during chemo and radiation therapy). In Chinese medicine it is used for lowered immunity, poor digestion, prolapsed organs, fatigue, recovery from loss of blood, chronic sores and wounds.  It invigorates chi, strengthens the body’s superficial resistance, promotes diuresis, drains pus and reduces swelling.  (Foster and Chongxi 1992, Tierra 2003, Winston 2003, Yance 2004).
 
The roots and stems can be made into cold infusions (2-3 fluid ounces, up to 3 times per day) and fresh root tincture (1:2, 30 to 60 drops, up to four times a day) as a antimicrobial, and tonic for hyperglycemia and hypertension. (Michael Moore, Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West)
 
My herbalist friend likes to make a chai tea using it along with other herbs such as codonopsis, ashwaganda, American ginseng, burdock root, yellow dock, licorice root, orange peel, sarsaparilla, sassafras, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and pepper. It sounds wonderful.
 
Discover and explore this plant on your next walk with nature.
 
From my light to yours-
 
References: Foster, Steven and Yue Chongxi.  1992.  Herbal Emissaries, Bringing Chinese Herbs to the West.  Vermont:  Healing Arts Press.  356 pp.; Tierra, Lesley. 2003. Healing with the Herbs of Life.  Berkeley:  Crossing Press.  458 pp; Winston, David.  2003.  Herbal Therapeutics.  Specific Indications for Herbs and Herbal Formulas.  Broadyway, NJ:  Herbal Therapeutics Research Library.  100 pp.; Yance, Donald.  2004.  Herbs, Phytonutrients, and Nutritional Agents for Integrative Oncology.  Lecture Notes.  Atlanta, GA.; Moore, Michael.  2003.  Herbal Materia Medica 5.0. http://wwwswsbm.com.manualsMM/MatMed5.txt; Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West by Michael Moore.
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By Janelle Eklund
Bright yellow clusters of delicate petals seem to gather their colors from the rays of golden sun. The long maypole of the stem is graced with oblong leaves dancing in a circle at the base, twirling the pole to intermingle with the intense golden light of flower heads. The common name, Goldenrod is true to its name.
 
Solidago also imparts its meaning to this solid stately plant. Solidago is derived from Soldare in Latin meaning healthy and strong. Ago in Latin has a similar meaning of whole or solid.
 
The parts of the plant are picked at different times during the summer: leaves early summer, flower tops later part of the summer and roots during the fall. All summer as the plant is growing the rootlets are descending downward but as the weather starts to turn cold the roots spread out sideways. Strong and solid stands the plant.
 
I could have used goldenrod for a recent sinus infection that set up a factory in my upper respiratory system producing huge amounts of mucus.  The healing qualities of the flowers and leaves of Solidago would have helped repair my tissues and eased the flow of mucus.
 
Making a tea from this radiant plant can also help the urinary system and kidneys. The tea has also been known to prevent kidney stones. Its anti-inflammatory properties can stop inflammation of the urinary tract. Because it is a diuretic it can help produce more urine. Got gas pain or weakness in the bowels and bladder? Goldenrod can help reduce those symptoms.
Rademacher writes: "A decoction of the Goldenrod brings the sick kidneys to a normal condition and makes the urine clear and normal again." Material or higher doses are best for real kidney disease but in milder cases Material doses can cause aggravations.
 
Used as a mouth/throat gargle it can help a sore throat and laryngitis.
 
As we all well know, summer is mosquito and bug season. When you are out and about enjoying the warmth, light and sweet aroma of summer don't let the bugs stop you from drinking in this pure joy. Take some goldenrod leaves and masticate them in your mouth and then apply this poultice to any insect bites or stings to relieve the affects. And if the intensity of the sun burns any exposed skin this poultice will also relieve that.
 
To save the essence of this plant for days of summer past dry the leaves and flowers, put them in a glass jar, and store them in a cool dark place. Similar to yarrow, the properties of goldenrod can also stop bleeding of wounds. The antiseptic qualities of the root can even relieve a toothache. Chew a bit of it and then put it around the tooth and gum that is bothering you. Relief should come within a few minutes.
 
For skin infections and muscle aches and pains make a salve or ointment out of the flowers and leaves.
 
Enjoy the leaves and flowers by also using them in recipes. The leaves can be eaten like spinach and also added to soups or any other dish of your wish. The flowers give a salad a sunny glow and can also be used in other dishes or as a garnish.
 
Are you into dyeing your own fabric or yarn from natural dyes? If you want a mustard color dye use the flowers. The whole plant will produce an orange and brown dye. Want to bring out the blond highlights in your hair? Make a strong tea of the flowers and use as a hair rinse.
 
As summer brings this plant to life give thanks for what it has to offer.
 
From my light to yours-
 
References: The Boreal Herbal by Beverley Gray; The Book of Herbal Wisdom by Matthew Wood
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By Janelle Eklund
Pale blue sky peaks through fluffy translucent clouds. Sunlight filters through them, brightening the fluffy whiteness, casting subdued warm light to earth. A slight breeze flows through bare stem silhouetted trees bowing to the breath of early spring warmth.
 
Even though it is still a few months from emergence the gentian comes into my mind's eye this Easter Sunday. Delicate slender purple flowers point toward the sky in small clusters flowing from the stem at the leaf bases. These 'fingers' remind me of folded hands in prayer as they reach toward the heavens.
 
I have seen gentian living in the field by my house and also in wetter areas near rivers where they were very tall and stately.
 
The tiny thin roots of gentian are extremely bitter, contain vitamins C, A, and zinc, and can be used medicinally to help digestion issues - if you can get passed the bitterness. It can be made into a syrup, infused tea or tincture. If you dry the roots they need to be dried quickly to retain the medicinal qualities. Use with caution because too much can cause nausea and vomiting. If you have ulcers, high blood pressure, or are pregnant or nursing do not use.
 
"Gentius King of Illyria claimed to have been cured of malaria by the bitter tonic made from the juice of the plants, hence the name." - Martha Louise Black, Yukon Wild Flowers (1940)
 
Give praise for the increasing light of spring warming the earth in preparation to awaken plant life and infuse our spirits with healing.
 
From my light to yours-
 
References: The Boreal Herbal by Beverley Gray; Plants of the Western Boreal Forest & Aspen Parkland by Johnson, Kershaw, MacKinnon, Pojar.
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By Janelle Eklund
It's a beautiful sunny day and, although the temperature hovers below 0°, I can feel the warmth of the sun on this mid-March day and my thoughts turn to a day last summer on the McCarthy road. I was out for my morning walk, greeting all the plants along the road, when I came across a single snowy white five petaled flower nestled on a bed of leathery toothed deep green leaves. There were only a few along the road not far from a peaceful little pond. If I had ventured closer to the pond maybe I would have seen more, as cloudberry like living in moist peaty wetlands and turfy grass.
 
Its botanical name, Rubus (Latin), means red. Chamaemorus is Greek. Chamai means 'brown' and morus means 'bramble'.
 
Eventually the snowy white petals fall to the ground and the center morphs into a berry that mimics the looks of a raspberry. Don't be fooled into thinking this fruit is ripe when it turns red. Much to the contrary, its redness means it's unripe. You know it's ready to pick when it becomes a plump soft deliciously golden yellow/orange color.
 
Both the leaves and the berries are medicinally endowed. And cloudberry and raspberry leaves have the same astringent medicinal qualities. The leaves can be boiled to make a tea which can help with menstrual cramps and diarrhea. A compress from the leaves can also be made for helping to heal weeping wounds. Just make sure if you do use the leaves that you use them either very fresh (not wilted) or completely dried. In the wilted or un-dried state they can be slightly toxic.
 
Flowers of this plant make a nice addition to a summer salad.
 
The berries, besides being a delight to the taste buds, are full of vitamin C and antioxidants. The plant is rich with Anthocyanins, which is a chemical substance in the plant that changes the colors of the leaves. In The Boreal Herbal it says "In humans, anthocyanins have the ability to fight free radicals in the body, and help fight disease caused by oxidative stress, which can cause premature aging."
 
Cloudberrys contain benzoic acid which is a natural preservative, so when stored fresh in a cool place it will last a long time - that is if you can refrain from putting their juicy goodness in your mouth very often. They can also be frozen, juiced, and made into jam or jelly.
 
Welcome the returning warmth of the sun, dream of green summer days, and in your mind taste the fruits of the suns labor.
 
From my light to yours-
 
References: The Boreal Herbal by Beverley Gray; Discovering Wild Plants by Janice Schofield
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