NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH Department of Wildlife Management P.O. Box 69 Barrow, Alaska 99723 Phone: (907) 852-0350 FAX: (907) 852 0351 Taqulik Hepa, Director

Common Plants of the North Slope

Plants are an important subsistence resource for residents across the North Slope. This document provides information on some of the common plants found on the North Slope of Alaska, including plants not used for subsistence. Plant names (common, scientific and Iñupiaq) are provided as well as descriptions, pictures and traditional uses. The resources used for identification are listed below as well as other resources for information on plants.

DISCLAIMER: This guide includes traditional uses of plants and other vegetation. The information is not intended to replace the advice of a physician or be used as a guide for self- medication. Neither the author nor the North Slope Borough claims that information in this guide will cure any illness. Just as prescription medicines can have different effects on individuals, so too can plants. Historically, medicinal plants were used only by skilled and knowledgeable people, such as traditional healers, who knew how to identify the plants and avoid misidentifications with toxic plants. Inappropriate medicinal use of plants may result in harm or death.

LIST OF PLANTS

• Alaska Blue Anemone • Alder / Nunaŋiak or Nunaniat • Alpine Blueberry / Asiat or Asiavik • Alpine Fescue • Alpine Forget-Me-Not • Alpine Foxtail • Alpine Milk Vetch • Alpine Wormwood • Arctic Daisy • Arctic Forget-Me-Not • Arctic Groundsel • Arctic Lupine • Arctic Poppy • Beach Greens • Bearberry / Aŋurvak or Aŋurvat or Kavlaq • Bog Rosemary • Bog Saxifrage • Brook Saxifrage • Chickweed • Coltsfoot / Milukataq, Mapkutitaaġruaq or Milukutakpak • Cordate-leaved Saxifrage • Cotton Grass / Pikniq, Pikniik, Pitniq, or Pitniik or Aqłakataq • Cottonwood or Balsam Poplar • Crowberry or Blackberry / Paunġak, Paunġaq, Pauġat, or Pauġak • Cuckoo Flower • Dwarf Birch • Dwarf Fireweed / Tilaaggik • Eskimo Potato / Masu or Masuqutaq • Finger Lichen / Kivviġiruaq • Fleabane • Glacier Avens • Golden Whitlow Grass • Grained Saxifrage • Hairy Arctic Milk Vetch

2 • Heather / Piļġaurat, Pilġaurat, Piļaurat, Piļaġaqutaq, or Ikkuqutit • Horsetail • Jacob's Ladder • Kinnickkinnick / Tinnik • Labrador Tea / Papaksraq, Tilaaqiaq, Tilaaqqiq, Tilaaqqit, Tilaakiq, Sakiaguraq or Sakiagauraq • Lapland Rosebay • Large-flowered Wintergreen • Lingonberry or Lowbush Cranberry / Kimmigñaq, Kimmiŋñaq or Kimmigñauraq • Locoweed / Aigaq • Mare's Tail • Marsh Fleabane • Marsh Marigold • Moss Campion • Mountain Avens • Mountain or Arctic Sorrel / Quŋuliq or Quŋulliq or Quŋulik or Quŋullik • Narrow-leaved Saussurea • Nodding bladder-campion • Nodding Saxifrage • Northern Primrose / Piļġaurat • Northern Rock Jasmine • Northern Water Carpet • Oysterleaf • Paintbrush • Pallas Buttercup • Parry's Wallflower / Masu Aiġaq • Pasque Flower • Pendant Grass / Pikniq • Pink Plumes / Ippiq or Ippigich or Qaqauraq • Polar Grass • Puffball • Purple Mountain Saxifrage • Purple Oxytrope • Reindeer Lichen / Niqaaq • Rock Jasmine • Ross' Sandwort

3 • Rusty Saxifrage • Salmonberry / Aqpik or Akpik • Scurvygrass • Sedge • Siberian Aster • Snow Buttercup / Taqilakisaaq • Sourdock or Arctic Dock / Quaġaq, Quagaq, Quagak, Quaġak or Quagat • Sphagnum Moss / Uġru • Starwort • Stinkweed / Sargiġruaq or Sargiq or Salgiġruaq • Sudetic Lousewort • Tansy or Lake Huron Tansy • Thrift Seapink • Tufted Saxifrage • Tundra Grass • Tundra Rose • Valerian • Water Sedge • Whitlow Grass • Wild Sweet Pea • Willow / Uqpik or Uqpiich • Wood Rush • Woolly Lousewort / Itqiļiaġruk or Itqiļiaġruaq or Qutliiraq • Yarrow • Yellow Lousewort

4 ALASKA BLUE ANEMONE

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Anemone drummondii Family Name: Ranunculaceae Description: Erect plant stem, slightly hairy, with ternately-dissected, oblong-linear leaves, smaller in basal whorl than on stem whorl. Solitary flower on each peduncle, large flower (10-35 mm diameter), apetalous, sepals ovate and whitish to bluish in color, many stamens Habitat and NSB locations: Dry, rocky slopes. Height: 3-5 inches Traditional Uses:

Taken by Leslie Pierce near the Kukpowruk River in June.

5 ALDER

Iñupiaq Name: Nunaŋiak or Nunaniat Scientific Name: Alnus crispa Family Name: Betulaceae Description: Tall shrub with ovate leaves having sharply serrated edges. Height of shrubs decreases with increasing latitude and/or altitude. Nutlet fruits found in hard cone-like catkins. Habitat and NSB locations: Near rivers and streams, in mushy tundra. Height: Shrubs up to 6-9 feet tall. Traditional Uses: Outer bark scraped off and dried. Turns red when boiled and dried. Used for dying skins. IHLC Specimen: Photo of alder specimen collected for the NSB Arctic Harvest project in the early 1990's.

6 ALPINE BLUEBERRY

Iñupiaq Name: Asiat or Asiavik or Asiaviqutaq Scientific Name: Vaccinium uliginosum Family Name: Ericaceae Description: Dwarf shrub, woody branches; leaves dull green, oblong to round, smooth margins; flowers bell-shaped, white to pink; berry color varies from blue to dark blue to almost black. Habitat and NSB locations: Boggy tundra. Height: 6 inches or more Traditional Uses: Berries are eaten as is, or in jam or other foods. Leaves added to tea for flavor. IHLC Specimen: Photo of blueberry specimen collected for the NSB Arctic Harvest project in the early 1990's.

Blueberry. Photo taken by Craig George along the Chandler River.

7 ALPINE FESCUE

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Festuca brachyphylla Family Name: Poaceae Description: Tufted grass, narrow leaves coming up from the base, much shorter than the flowering stalks; spikelets purplish-green Habitat and NSB locations: Sandy, rocky tundra. Height: Up to 30 cm (1 ft) tall Traditional Uses: None known

Alpine fescue. Photo taken by Leslie Pierce south of Teshekpuk Lake in July.

8 ALPINE FORGET-ME-NOT

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Myosotis alpestris (Alaska state flower) Family Name: Boraginaceae Description: Leaves lance-shaped covered with hairs. Flowers small, blue 5-lobed with yellow center. Habitat and NSB locations: Sandy or rocky soil or dry tundra. Height: 6-8+ inches Traditional Uses: None known

Alpine forget me not. Photo taken by Robert Suydam near Point Hope in August.

9 ALPINE FOXTAIL

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Alopecurus alpinus Family Name: Poaceae Description: Spikelet is fuzzy and purple-gray. Habitat and NSB locations: Wet sand, gravel or tundra. Height: Up to 1 ft tall Traditional Uses: none known

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Alpine foxtail. Photo taken by Leslie Pierce in the Colville River delta in early August

10 ALPINE MILK VETCH

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Astragalus alpinus Family Name: Fabaceae Description: Leaves basal; pinnate with 8-11 leaflet pairs, on stems creeping along the ground. Inflorescence in loose cluster at top of stalk; stalk not much longer than leaves. Dark blue or bluish-violet flowers, paler at base, in racemes; darker sepals. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry tundra or sandy or gravelly areas. Height: Up to 6 inches tall. Traditional Uses: None known

Alpine milk vetch. Photo taken by Leslie Pierce near Point Lay in early July.

11 ALPINE WORMWOOD

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Artemisia glomerata Family Name: Asteraceae Description: Leaves forming low-lying mat; tri-lobed, hairy. Inflorescence capitate, densely wooly, with yellow-ish disk flowers. Habitat and NSB locations: Sandy or rocky areas. Height: 3-4 inches Traditional Uses: None known

Alpine wormwood. Photo taken by Leslie Pierce near Point Lay in early July.

12 ARCTIC DAISY

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum integrifolium Family Name: Asteraceae Description: Small, linear cluster of leaves at base, few along single stem. Single flower with long, white, 3-toothed ray flowers and bright yellow disc flowers. Habitat and NSB locations: Sandy or rocky areas. Height: 4-6 inches Traditional Uses: None known

Arctic daisy. Photo taken by Leslie Pierce south of Teshekpuk Lake.

13 ARCTIC FORGET-ME-NOT

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Eritrichium nanum Family Name: Boraginaceae Description: Very small leaves covered with white hairs. Flowers small, blue 5-lobed with yellow center. Habitat and NSB locations: Sandy or rocky soil or dry tundra. Height: 1-2 inches Traditional Uses: None known

Arctic forget me not. Photo taken by Leslie Pierce near the Kukpowruk River in June

Arctic forget me not. Photo taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake.

14 ARCTIC GROUNDSEL

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Senecio atropurpureus Family Name: Asteraceae Description: Leaves mostly basal and hairy with few on flowering stalk. Solitary flower head with yellow ray flowers and hairy, purplish bracts below. Habitat and NSB locations: Moist meadows. Height: Up to 6 inches. Traditional Uses: None known Photo: See photo from the Circle District Historical Society webpage.

Arctic groundsel. Taken by Renee Hoover near Point Lay in early July.

Arctic groundsel. Photo taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake.

15 ARCTIC LUPINE

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Lupinus arcticus Family Name: Fabaceae Description: Leaves palmately arranged, with 7-9 leaflets. Stems covered with white hairs. Flowers blue or dark blue with hairy sepals. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry to damp slopes, gravel bars. Height: 6-12 inches Traditional Uses: None known. Plant is poisonous. DO NOT EAT.

Arctic lupine. Photo taken near Nuiqsut by NSB-DWM staff.

Arctic Lupine. Photo taken by Leslie Pierce on the Kukpowruk River in June.

16 ARCTIC POPPY

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Papaver macounii (also have P. hultenii [salmon colored] and P. lapponicum) Family Name: Papavaraceae Description: Highly dissected, green leaves at base; bright yellow flower with four petals at end of stem. Habitat and NSB locations: Found in dry places on the tundra or near roadsides, etc. Height: About 6-8 inches Traditional Uses: None known

Arctic poppy. Photo taken by Renee Hoover near Point Lay in early July.

Papaver hultenii. Photo taken by Karen Hegyi near Barrow.

17 BEACH GREENS

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Honckenya peploides Family Name: Caryophyllaceae Description: Fleshy, oval, yellow-green leaves. Tiny, inconspicuous, greenish flowers. Habitat and NSB locations: Sandy beaches along the coast of the North Slope. Height: 2-3 inches Traditional Uses: Young leaves eaten raw or cooked. Good source of Vitamin C.

Beach greens. Photo taken by Leslie Pierce near Point Lay in early July.

18 BEARBERRY, RED (ALSO BLACK BEARBERRY)

Iñupiaq Name: Aŋurvak or Aŋurvat Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos rubra (also A. alpina or Black Bearberry or Kavlaq ) Family Name: Ericaceae Description: Low matted, woody shrub. Spatulate leaves deciduous, thin, leathery, slightly serrated margins, green with reddish edges. Leaves turn red in the fall. Flowers are white (or greenish-white) bell-shapes. Fruit is round berry: A. alpina fruit is black and A. rubra fruit is red. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry tundra or rocky areas. Height: 2-4 inches Traditional Uses: Berries eaten as is and made into jams. Used for kidney and bladder problems. IHLC Specimen: Photo of Red Bearberry and Black Bearberry collected for the NSB Arctic Harvest project in the early 1990's.

Red Bearberry taken by Leslie Pierce near the Kukpowruk River in June.

Black Bearberry taken by Craig George along the Chandler River.

19 BOG ROSEMARY

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Andromeda polifolia Family Name: Ericaceae Description: Dwarf, woody shrub; narrow green leaves curled under at edges; pink, urn-shaped flowers, clustered at end of branches on a pink flowering stem. Habitat and NSB locations: Boggy and wet tundra. Height: 2-3 inches Traditional Uses: None known. Plant is poisonous. DO NOT EAT.

Bog rosemary taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake.

20 BOG SAXIFRAGE

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Saxifraga hirculus Family Name: Saxifragaceae Description: Short plant with a bright yellow flower with orange speckling in the center of the petals. Habitat and NSB locations: Grows in wet tundra. Height: about 3-5 inches Traditional Uses: none known

Bog saxifrage taken by Leslie Pierce south of Teshekpuk Lake in late July.

Bog saxifrage taken by Leslie Pierce south of Teshekpuk Lake in late July.

Bog saxifrage taken by Karen Hegyi near Barrow.

21 BROOK SAXIFRAGE

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Saxifraga rivularis Family Name: Saxifragaceae Description: Low-growing; leaves basal and palmate with 3-7 lobes. Flowers with 5 white to reddish-purplish petals. Habitat and NSB locations: Wet areas, snow beds. Height: 1-2 inches Traditional Uses: None known Photo: See this picture on the Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas

22 CHICKWEED (OR MOUSE-EAR CHICKWEED)

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Cerastium beeringianum Family Name: Caryophyllaceae Description: Mat-like hairy plant with short greenish-yellow leaves. Many branches with flowers at end of branches; 5 white petals with two lobes (looks like 10 petals), slightly longer than sepals. Habitat and NSB locations: Sandy or gravelly areas. Height: 2-4 inches Traditional Uses: none known Photo: See this picture on the Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas

Chickweed taken by Sandy Hamilton on the Colville Delta

Chickweed flower taken by Karen Hegyi near Barrow.

23 COLTSFOOT

Iñupiaq Name: Milukataq, Mapkutitaaġruaq or Milukutakpak Scientific Name: Petasites frigidus Family Name: Asteraceae Description: Leaves are toothed and triangular, found near base of plant. Brown in the spring, turning glossy-green in the summer. Underside of leaves covered with white fuzz. Flower stalk green or reddish. Flowers white with purplish center, developing long white bristles near the end of summer. Height: About 6 to 12 inches. Habitat and NSB locations: Found in wet areas on the tundra, throughout the North Slope. Traditional Uses: The leaves are eaten in salads, used on external sores and arthritis, and made into a tea for a persistent cough. IHLC Specimen: Photo of Coltsfoot leave specimens collected for the NSB Arctic Harvest project in the early 1990's.

Coltsfoot early in the season, taken by Leslie Pierce near Barrow.

Field of coltsfoot later in the season, taken by Leslie Pierce near Barrow.

Coltsfoot taken by Leslie Pierce in the Colville River delta in early August.

24

CORDATE-LEAVED SAXIFRAGE

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Saxifraga punctata Family Name: Saxifragaceae Description: Leaves basal and close to ground; thick, round (cordate) shape with wide teeth; green with purplish edges; lighter green underneath and fuzzy. Flowers in group at top of taller, fuzzy stalk, 5 white petals. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry areas. Height: 4-6 inches. Traditional Uses: Young leaves stored in seal oil and eaten with fish or meat. Good source of vitamin C and the precursor to vitamin A.

Saxifraga punctata taken by Leslie Pierce near Barrow.

Photo taken by Jo Heathcote near Teshekpuk Lake.

25 COTTON GRASS

Iñupiaq Name: Pikniq, Pikniik, Pitniq, or Pitniik or Aqłakataq Scientific Name: Eriophorum spp. (E. augustifolium or Many-spiked cotton grass, E. russeolum or Solitary cotton grass, E. scheuchzeri or Scheuchzer's cotton grass, or E. vaginatum or Hare's tail grass) Family Name: Cyperaceae Description: Tall sedge (not a grass) with skinny, grass-like leaves. Spike of brownish- yellow flowers which develop into seeds with white cottony hairs by mid-summer. E. augustifolium has many spike-like "cotton heads" on the stem. The other three species have a solitary spike. E. vaginatum is smaller with smaller leaves forming a tussock in drier areas. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry to moist tundra. Often near ponds. Height: 6-12 inches Traditional Uses: Lower stems eaten raw or with seal oil.

Cotton Grass taken by Chris Finkler near Barrow.

Cotton grass near pond taken by Chris Finkler.

26 COTTONWOOD OR BALSAM POPLAR

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Populus balsamifera Family Name: Salicaceae Description: Bark gray with deep furrows; green leaves broad lance-shaped, paler beneath. Habitat and NSB locations: River valleys south along the Brooks Range. Height: Up to 40 feet tall Traditional Uses: none known

Cottonwood taken by Craig George along the Chandler River.

27 CROWBERRY OR BLACKBERRY

Iñupiaq Name: Paunġak, Paunġaq, Pauġat, or Pauġak Scientific Name: Empetrum nigrum Family Name: Empetraceae Description: Very short, linear, green leaves on creeping branches. Tiny inconspicuous flowers. Fruit a large purplish-black berry. Habitat and NSB locations: Wet or boggy tundra. Height: 2-4 inches Traditional Uses: Purplish-black berries are eaten as is; leaves used to ignite fire. IHLC Specimen: Photo of Crowberry specimen collected for the NSB Arctic Harvest project in the early 1990's. Photo: See this picture on the Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas

Crowberries taken by Craig George along the Chandler River.

28 CUCKOO FLOWER

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Cardamine pratensis Family Name: Brassicaceae Description: Leaves pinnate; basal leaves with more rounded leaflets, upper leaves with more linear leaflets. Flowers with 4 petals, white to rose-colored with veins visible, on tall stalk. Habitat and NSB locations: Wet areas. Height: Up to 10-12 inches. Traditional Uses: none known

Cuckoo flower taken by Leslie Pierce in Point Lay in early July.

29 DWARF BIRCH

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Betula nana Family Name: Betulaceae Description: Low-lying dwarf shrub; young twigs covered with resin spots. Leaves dark green, round, with rounded-toothed margins. Habitat and NSB locations: Boggy tundra. Across the North Slope, except on the northern coast. Height: 6-8 inches (B. glandulosa up to 7 feet) Traditional Uses: none known

Dwarf birch taken by Craig George along the Chandler River.

Shrub Birch (or B. glandulosa) taken by Leslie Pierce on the Kukpowruk River in June.

30 DWARF FIREWEED OR RIVER BEAUTY

Iñupiaq Name: Tilaaggik Scientific Name: Epilobium latifolium Family Name: Onagraceae Description: Stems low-growing, purplish-gray. Leaves alternate, fleshy, gray-green. Large flowers at end of stems, petals purple to dark rose; sepals darker. Habitat and NSB locations: Gravel bars and along streams. Height: 3-6 inches Traditional Uses: Leaves used for tea. Young leaves are also eaten raw or boiled. Flowers used to make honey and jelly. IHLC Specimen: Photo of Dwarf Fireweed specimen collected for the NSB Arctic Harvest project in the early 1990's.

Dwarf Fireweed. Photo taken by NSB- DWM staff near the Meade River.

Dwarf Fireweed. Photo taken by Renee Hoover near Point Lay in early July.

31 ESKIMO POTATO OR ALPINE SWEETVETCH

Iñupiaq Name: Masu or Masuqutaq Scientific Name: Hedysarum alpinum Family Name: Fabaceae Description: Tall plant growing from horizontal root; root edible (see Note below). Leaves pinnate (in oblong pairs) on widely spaced branches; smooth on top with obvious veins underneath. Pods are smooth and net-veined. Flower stalks are tall; long clusters of pinkish to purple pea-shaped flowers, narrow near the top. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry, rocky tundra. Height: 1-2 feet Traditional Uses: Sweet in September, roots eaten raw or boiled in water or mixed in soup. NOTE: Beware, this plant is similar to H. mackenzii (or Wild Sweet Pea) which has larger, reddish-purple flowers (not in narrow clusters), hairy pods and leaves with whitish, fuzzy undersides and hidden veins. H. mackenzii can be toxic and cause severe digestive problems. IHLC Specimen: Photo of Eskimo Potato specimen collected for the NSB Arctic Harvest project in the early 1990's.

32 FINGER LICHEN

Iñupiaq Name: Kivviġiruaq Scientific Name: Dactylina arctica Family Name: Parmeliaceae (in Fungi Kingdom) Description: Tan to yellowish colored lichen. Often found in a bunch; hollow, rounded structures. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry tundra; often found with mosses. Height: 1-2 inches Traditional Uses: none known

Finger lichen taken by Leslie Pierce near Barrow

33 FLEABANE

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Erigeron eriocephalus Family Name: Asteraceae Description: Linear, oblong, mostly basal leaves. Solitary flower head on hairy stem; purplish ray flowers, darker purple sepals, yellowish center (or disk) flowers. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry tundra. Height: 3-4 inches. Traditional Uses: None known

Fleabane taken by Leslie Pierce south of Teshekpuk Lake in late July.

34 GLACIER AVENS

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Geum glaciale Family Name: Rosaceae Description: Basal leaves, pinnately dissected with 11-15 leaflet pairs and long silky hairs. Large flowers with 5 yellow petals. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry tundra Height: 3-4 inches Traditional Uses: None known

Glacier Avens taken by Leslie Pierce near the Kukpowruk River in June.

35 GOLDEN WHITLOW GRASS

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Draba alpina Family Name: Brassicaceae Description: Basal whorl of leaves; oblong to lance-shaped, slightly hairy. Flowering stem much taller, reddish-tinged; inflorescence dense, small yellow 4-petaled flowers bunched at top. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry areas. Height: 2-3 inches Traditional Uses: none known

Golden whitlow grass taken by Karen Hegyi near Barrow.

36 GRAINED SAXIFRAGE

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Saxifraga foliolosa Family Name: Saxifragaceae Description: Basal, oblong leaves with several teeth. Single flower with 5 white (to reddish) petals (clawed near base with yellow spots) at top of tall flowering stalk. Tiny pink bulbets on stem below flower. strong>Habitat and NSB locations: Wet, rocky areas or snow beds. Also found along creeks. Height: 6 inches. Traditional Uses: None known Photo: See this picture on the Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas

Grained saxifrage taken south of Teshekpuk Lake by Jo Heathcote

37 HAIRY ARCTIC MILK VETCH

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Astragalus umbellatus Family Name: Fabaceae Description: Leaves pinnate, with 7-11 oblong to ovate leaflet pairs. Yellow flowers in racemes above leaves. Habitat and NSB locations: Stony slopes or dry meadows. Height: Up to 1 foot tall. Traditional Uses: Root edible.

Hairy arctic milk vetch taken by Leslie Pierce near Point Lay in early July.

Hairy arctic milk vetch taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake.

38 HEATHER

Iñupiaq Name: Piļġaurat, Pilġaurat, Piļaurat, Piļaġaqutaq, or Ikkuqutit Scientific Name: Cassiope tetragona Family Name: Ericaceae Description: Tiny leaves close to four-sided branches; reddish-brown early in season, turning green later. Flowers white, small, bell-shaped at end of branches. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry tundra. Height: 3-4 inches Traditional Uses: To make fire and cook without wood (pick older ones, not green ); Also used for incense and to keep mosquitoes away. IHLC Specimen: Photo of Heather specimen collected for the NSB Arctic Harvest project in the early 1990's.

Heather taken by Renee Hoover near Point Lay in early July.

39 HORSETAIL

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Equisetum spp. Family Name: Equisetaceae Description: Brownish stems turning green later in summer. Tough, thick stems hollow with cylindrical sheaths at nodes along stem. Margins of sheath toothed and often darker colored. Top of stem with cone-like structure. Some species have branching at nodes. Habitat and NSB locations: Moist areas. Height: 6-8 inches or more. Traditional Uses: none known

Mare'sTail taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake.

40 JACOB'S LADDER

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Polemonium spp. Family Name: Polemoniaceae Description: Tall plant, leaves pinnately dissected with 10-15 leaflet pairs. Hairy in P. boreale; not hairy in P. acutiflorum. Flowers large in open inflorescence at end of stem; petals blue to violet with five lobes and yellow center. Habitat and NSB locations: Wet meadows Height: 4-10 inches Traditional Uses: none known

Jacob's ladder taken by Renee Hoover near Point Lay in early July.

Jacob's ladder taken by Renee Hoover near Point Lay in early July.

41 KINNICKKINNICK

Iñupiaq Name: Tinnik Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Family Name: Ericaceae Description: Plant matted, dwarf shrub with trailing woody, branches. Leaves evergreen, leathery, ovate to spatulate, flat-margined; lustrous above, slightly hairy below. Flower bell-shaped, white to pink; fruit dull, red, dry and mealy with stone. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry tundra Height: 2-3 inches Traditional Uses: Berries are not very tasty, but are eaten boiled and added to other foods. Photo: See photo in the USDA Plants Database.

42 LABRADOR TEA

Iñupiaq Name: Papaksraq, Tilaaqiaq, Tilaaqqiq, Tilaaqqit, Tilaakiq, Sakiaguraq or Sakiagauraq Scientific Name: Ledum palustre Family Name: Ericaceae Description: Low shrub with slightly hairy twigs. Leaves linear, strongly curled margins; shiny greenish-gray above, wooly below. Flowers in umbel-like clusters at end of branches, with five white to pinkish petals. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry, marshy tundra. Height: 3-4 inches Traditional Uses: Leaves for tea flavoring. IHLC Specimen: Photo of Labrador Tea specimen collected for the NSB Arctic Harvest project in the early 1990's.

Laborador Tea taken by Leslie Pierce near the Kukpowruk River in June.

Labrador tea taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake in July.

43 LAPLAND ROSEBAY

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Rhododendron lapponicum Family Name: Ericaceae Description: Low dwarf shrub, thick woody stems; leaves dark greenish-gray, ovate to oblong, covered on both sides with resin dots. Flowers in loose clusters at end of branches, five purplish petals with long purplish stamens. Habitat and NSB locations: Stony areas, dry or wet. Height: 3-4 inches Traditional Uses: none known

Lapland Rosebay taken by Leslie Pierce near the Kukpowruk River in June.

44 LARGE-FLOWERED WINTERGREEN

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Pyrola grandiflora Family Name: Pyrolaceae Description: Leaves thick, rounded; flowers large, 5 petals white or greenish-white with protruding curved, style. Anthers yellow. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry tundra Height: 3-4 inches Traditional Uses: none known

Large flowered wintergreen taken by Leslie Pierce south of Teshekpuk Lake in late July.

45 LINGONBERRY OR LOWBUSH CRANBERRY

Iñupiaq Name: Kimmigñaq, Kimmiŋñaq or Kimmigñauraq Scientific Name: Vaccinium vitis-idaea Family Name: Ericaceae Description: Low-matted plant with small, oval, evergreen leaves of glossy green (or reddish to burgundy); small, pink, bell-shaped flowers with small red berries in clusters at end of branches. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry meadows. Height: 1-2 inches Traditional Uses: Berries eaten freshly picked or made into jam. Leaves and stems boiled for tea. IHLC Specimen: Photo of Lingonberry specimen collected for the NSB Arctic Harvest project in the early 1990's.

Lingonberries taken by Leslie Pierce south of Teshekpuk Lake in late July.

Lingonberry flower taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake.

46 LOCOWEED

Iñupiaq Name: Aigaq Scientific Name: Oxytropis borealis Family Name: Fabaceae Description: Leaves pinnately dissected, with 8-12 leaflet pairs. Inflorescence a raceme with 5-10 flowers. Flowers pale blue with pointed keel (Astragalus flowers have blunt keel). Habitat and NSB locations: Found along rivers on dry tundra. Height: Up to 6 inches Traditional Uses: none known Photo: See this picture on the Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas

47 MARE'S TAIL

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Hippuris vulgaris Family Name: Haloragaceae Description: Stout stem with whorls of 6-12 pale green, thin leaves at internodes. Habitat and NSB locations: Shallow water. Height: 6 inches or more Traditional Uses: none known Photo: See this picture on the Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas

Mare's Tail taken by Leslie Pierce near Point Lay

48 MARSH FLEABANE

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Senecio congestus Family Name: Asteraceae Description: Tall plant with fuzzy, reddish, hollow stems; large fuzzy green leaves, lance-shaped with toothed indentations. Flower heads in clumps at top of stems, covered with hairs; yellow ray and disk flowers. Habitat and NSB locations: Wet areas Height: 1-3 feet Traditional Uses: none known

Marsh Fleabane taken by Chris Finkler near Barrow

49 MARSH MARIGOLD

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Caltha palustris Family Name: Ranunculaceae Description: Long stem emerging from water or running along wet tundra. Few leaves along stem; rounded or kidney-shaped. Flowers have 5 yellow sepals with greenish center. Habitat and NSB locations: Submerged in pond or very moist areas. Height: 4-6 inches, or several inches above the water. Traditional Uses: The long white roots are eaten boiled. Leaves can be eaten when cooked, but are poisonous when raw.

Marsh Marigold taken by Leslie Pierce near Point Lay in early July.

50 MOSS CAMPION

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Silene acaulis Family Name: Caryophyllaceae Description: Dense mat of short, linear, flat, green leaves; tube flowers with 5-lobed, pink to purple petals and darker sepals Habitat and NSB locations: Sandy areas. Height: Up to 3 inches Traditional Uses: none known

Moss campion taken by Lindsey Kendall near Point Lay in early July.

51 MOUNTAIN AVENS OR ARCTIC DRYAD

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Dryas integrifolia Family Name: Roseaceae Description: Low growing plant with small, narrow, dark green leaves; shiny above and hairy below; edges slightly rolled under. Large flowers with eight white petals and yellow stamens; seeds with long white hairy plumes. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry to moist tundra. Height: 2-3 inches Traditional Uses: none known

Mountain avens taken by Leslie Pierce near the Kukpowruk River in June.

Mountain avens taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake

Mountain Avens taken by Leslie Pierce in the Colville River delta in early August.

52 MOUNTAIN OR ARCTIC SORREL

Iñupiaq Name: Quŋuliq or Quŋulliq or Quŋulik or Quŋullik Scientific Name: Oxyria digyna Family Name: Polygonaceae Description: Leaves round or kidney-shaped, low growing; bright red in early summer, turning green by mid-summer. Flowers clustered on taller red stalk, with small, dark pink petals and sepals. Habitat and NSB locations: Near creeks or streams, wet areas. Height: 8-12 inches Traditional Uses: Leaves good source of vitamin C; eaten raw or soaked in seal oil. Can also make tea by boiling leaves, plus add a few red flowering stems for a nice pink color and sugar to sweeten. Can be a chilled as well. Root not eaten. IHLC Specimen: Photo of Mountain Sorrel specimen collected for the NSB Arctic Harvest project in the early 1990's.

Oxyria digyna taken by Leslie Pierce near Freshwater Lake, Barrow

53 NARROW-LEAVED SAUSSUREA

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Saussurea viscida Family Name: Asteraceae Description: Long, lance-shaped leaves radiating out from stem. Flowers growing up from the center; purple petals with hairy, black bracts. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry tundra. Height: 3-4 inches. Traditional Uses: none known

Narrow-leaved saussurea taken by Leslie Pierce south of Teshekpuk Lake

Narrow-leaved saussarea taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake

54 NODDING BLADDER-CAMPION

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Melandrium apetalum Family Name: Caryophyllaceae Description: Leaves linear, smaller along stem than at base. Single oval flower drooping on stem, with inflated sepals, lilac petals slightly longer than sepals. Usually more than one plant growing together. M.affine has green inflated sepals and white petals protuding from the oval flower. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry tundra. Height: 8-12 inches. Traditional Uses: none known

Melandrium apetalum taken by Chris Finkler near Barrow.

Melandrium affine taken by Renee Hoover in Point Lay in early July.

55 NODDING SAXIFRAGE

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Saxifraga cernua Family Name: Saxifragaceae Description: Small plant with a single white flower at the tip of the stem. Rosette of bright, green, 5-7 lobed leaves at the base with small purplish leaves and bulbets along the stem. Habitat and NSB locations: Found in gravelly areas on the tundra. Height: Up to about 4" tall. Traditional Uses: none known

Nodding saxifrage taken by Chris Finkler near Barrow.

Nodding saxifrage (among Coltsfoot leaves) taken by Leslie Pierce near Barrow.

56 NORTHERN PRIMROSE

Iñupiaq Name: Piļġaurat Scientific Name: Primula borealis Family Name: Primulaceae Description: Leaves small, ovate, slightly toothed, growing at base. Flowering stem taller; tube flowers clustered at top with five lilac to white bi-lobed petals and yellow tube. Habitat and NSB locations: Salty shorelines. Height: 3-4 inches. Traditional Uses: none known

Primula borealis taken by Leslie Pierce near Point Lay in early July.

57 NORTHERN ROCK JASMINE OR PYGMYFLOWER

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Androsace septentrionalis Family Name: Primulaceae Description: Leaves in basal whorl, oblong to lance-shaped, slightly toothed. Plant with several flowering stalks, green to reddish; flowers in cluster at top. Small, tube- shaped flowers with white, 5-lobed petals with yellow center. Green sepals with reddish edges. Habitat and NSB locations: Rocky areas Height: 3-4 inches Traditional Uses:

Taken by Leslie Pierce in Point Lay in June.

58 NORTHERN WATER CARPET

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Chrysosplenium tetrandrum Family Name: Saxifragaceae Description: Light green leaves rounded and kidney-shaped with shallow lobes; flowers with green sepals; cup-like fruit with brown, smooth seeds visible. Habitat and NSB locations: Wet areas. Height: 3 inches. Traditional Uses: none known

Northern water carpet taken by Leslie Pierce south of Teshekpuk Lake.

59 OYSTERLEAF

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Mertensia maritima Family Name: Boraginaceae Description: Succulent (fleshy), oval, blue-green leaves on trailing stems along the ground. Small, blue flowers in clusters at end of stems. Habitat and NSB locations: Sandy, gravelly beaches along the coastal areas of the North Slope. Height: 2-3" Traditional Uses: none known

Mertensia maritima taken by Chris Finkler near Barrow.

60 PAINTBRUSH

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Castilleja caudata Family Name: Scrophulariaceae Description: Plant with single stem; leaves alternate, lance-shaped, slightly hairy. Flowers greenish-yellow with yellowish hairs. Habitat and NSB locations: Tundra meadows or along streams. Height: 6-8 inches Traditional Uses: none known Photo: See thispicture on the Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas

Taken by Leslie Pierce near Point Lay in early July. Paintbrush (yellow flowers, Castilleja caudata) mixed with dwarf fireweed.

61 PALLAS' BUTTERCUP

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Ranunculus pallasii Family Name: Ranunculaceae Description: Plant submerged in pond; leaves club-shaped to 3-lobed; white flowers float on surface. Habitat and NSB locations: Height: Traditional Uses: none known

Pallas' buttercup taken by Karen Hegyi near Barrow.

62 PARRY'S WALLFLOWER

Iñupiaq Name: Masu Aiġaq Scientific Name: Parrya nudicaulis Family Name: Brassicaceae Description: Leaves all basal; oblong to spatulate, slightly toothed, grayish-green. Flower stalk leafless; loose raceme of large purple to lavender flowers; tube flowers with 4 lobes, tube lighter in color; sepals shorter than tube and darker in color. Habitat and NSB locations: Moist, sandy or rocky areas. Height: 6-8 inches Traditional Uses: Roots and leaves are edible.

Parry's wallflower taken by Leslie Pierce near the Kukpowruk River in June.

Parry's wallflower taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake.

63 PASQUE FLOWER

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Pulsatilla patens Family Name: Ranunculaceae Description: Leaves and stem covered with silky hairs. Leaves highly divided (2 or 3- parts with many segments) with hairs on the margins. Single, large flower with 5 light blue or purple petals, with dark stamens and yellowish centers. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry, sandy areas. Height: 4-5 inches. Traditional Uses: none known

Pasque flower taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake.

64 PENDANT GRASS OR ARCTIC PENDANT GRASS

Iñupiaq Name: Pikniq Scientific Name: Arctophila fulva Family Name: Poaceae Description: Yellowish-green stems; flowers in large open, drooping panicles. Turn bright red in the fall. Habitat and NSB locations: Lakeshores and stream banks, in shallow water. Height: 1-2 feet high. Traditional Uses: none known Photo: See this picture on the Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas

Arctophila taken by Karen Hegyi near Barrow.

65 PINK PLUMES

Iñupiaq Name: Ippiq or Ippigich or Qaqauraq Scientific Name: Polygonum bistorta (also P. viviparum) Family Name: Polygonaceae Description: Leaves long, thick and elliptical-shaped; dark green above, gray below; edges curled under slightly. Flower spike on green to reddish-brown stalk taller than leaves; tight cluster of pink flowers with dark anthers. P. viviparum with flowers near bottom of spike that develop into bulbs. Habitat and NSB locations: Wet places, snowbeds. Height: 12-18 inches Traditional Uses: Young leaves are put in seal oil or eaten raw in salads. Roots can be cooked or eaten raw. Leaves contain vitamin C and the precursor to vitamin A. Used as an astringent. IHLC Specimen: Photo of pink plumes collected for the NSB Arctic Harvest project in the early 1990's.

Pink plumes taken by Leslie Pierce near Point Lay in early July.

Pink plumes taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake.

66 POLAR GRASS

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Arctagrostis latifolia Family Name: Poaceae Description: Grass with stout stem; leaves mostly along stem, up to 1 cm broad. Flowers in panicle, mostly purplish. Habitat and NSB locations: Wet meadows or along rivers, ponds or streams. Height: 1-2 feet Traditional Uses: none known Photo: See this picture on the Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas

Arctagrostis taken by Leslie Pierce south of Teshekpuk Lake.

67 PUFFBALL

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Family Name: Lycoperdaceae (Kingdom Fungi) Description: Habitat and NSB locations: Moist tundra. Height: 1-2 inches. Traditional Uses: Edible when young (white in the middle); pithy and full of powdered spores when older. NOTE: Mushrooms can be difficult to identify. Do not eat any wild mushrooms unless an expert has identified them for you.

Puffball taken by Leslie Pierce south of Teshekpuk Lake.

68 PURPLE MOUNTAIN SAXIFRAGE

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Saxifraga oppositifiolia Family Name: Saxifragaceae Description: Low-growing, mat-forming plant; many branches covered with dense, short, opposite, tiny dark green leaves in 4 rows; leaves oblong with keel. Flowers sitting on end of stem; petals reddish-violet to purple with 5 petals. Habitat and NSB locations: Moist gravelly or rocky areas. Height: 1 to 2 1/2 inches Traditional Uses: none known

Purple mountain saxifrage taken by Leslie Pierce near the Kukpowruk River in June.\

69 PURPLE OXYTROPE

Iñupiaq Name: Aiġaq Scientific Name: Oxytropis nigrescens Family Name: Fabaceae Description: Leaves and stems with long, gray hairs; low-lying plant with 9-13 foliate leaves, leaflets oblong to ovate; 2-4 flowers on pedicel; calyx densely covered with black hairs; petals purplish to blue. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry, rocky areas. Height: 1-2 inches Traditional Uses:

Taken by Leslie Pierce near Point Lay.

70 REINDEER LICHEN

Iñupiaq Name: Niqaaq Scientific Name: Cladonia rangiferina Family Name: Cladoniaceae (in Fungi Kingdom) Description: Light-colored (grayish-whitish) lichen, with many branches Habitat and NSB locations: Dry tundra. Height: 1-2 inches Traditional Uses: none known

Reindeer lichen taken by Leslie Pierce near Barrow

71 ROCK JASMINE

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Androsace chamaejasme Family Name: Primulaceae Description: Rosette of small, hairy, fleshy, linear to oblong leaves. Two to four flowers on top of stalk; tube flowers with white petals and yellow center; sometimes pinkish. Habitat and NSB locations: Rocky areas. Height: About 3 inches. Traditional Uses: none known

Rock Jasmine taken by Leslie Pierce near Point Lay in early July.

Rock Jasmine taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake.

72 ROSS' SANDWORT

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Minuartia rossii Family Name: Caryophyllaceae Description: Leaves short, linear, blunt and triangular in cross-section; packed together in bunches. Flowers solitary, sepals purplish; petals white. Habitat and NSB locations: Rocky, dry areas. Height: 2-3 inches. Traditional Uses: none known

Ross Sandwort taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake.

73 RUSTY SAXIFRAGE

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Saxifraga hieracifolia Family Name: Saxifragaceae Description: Leaves oblong, broad, thick and slightly toothed. Flowering stalk much taller than leaves and very stiff, covered with hairs; flowers greenish to purple along top of stalk; sepals and petals triangular-shaped. Habitat and NSB locations: Moist tundra. Height: 6-18 inches Traditional Uses: none known

Rusty saxifrage taken by Leslie Pierce near Barrow.

74 SALMONBERRY (OR CLOUDBERRY)

Iñupiaq Name: Aqpik or Akpik Scientific Name: Rubus chamaemorus Family Name: Roseaceae Description: Leaves large, rounded, palmately-lobed; green above with reddish edges. Single flower large with 5 white petals; berries shaped like raspberries, start out reddish- tinged and hard, ripen into juicy, salmon-colored berry. Male and female flowers on different plants. Habitat and NSB locations: Wet tundra or bogs. Height: 2-4 inches Traditional Uses: Eaten freshly picked or boiled, or they were stored in oil. Today they are made into jam, pies or other desserts. IHLC Specimen: Photo of Salmonberry specimen collected for the NSB Arctic Harvest project in the early 1990's.

Salmonberry taken by Leslie Pierce near Point Lay in early July.

Salmonberry taken by Leslie Pierce south of Teshekpuk Lake.

75 SCURVYGRASS

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Cochlearia officinalis Family Name: Brassicaceae Description: Leaves spade-shaped in a small flattened rosette near the ground. Groups of white flowers at the end of long stems Habitat and NSB locations: Gravelly locations throughout the coastal areas of the North Slope. Height: About 2-3". Traditional Uses: Leaves are a good source of Vitamin C. Eaten raw or boiled.

Scurvy grass taken by Leslie Pierce near Barrow.

76 SEDGE

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Carex spp. (C. atrofusca, C. bigelowii, C. capillaris, C. chordorrhiza, C. glacialis, C. glareosa, C. loliacea, C. lugens, C. lyngbyei, C. media, C. misandra, C. membranacea, C. nardina, C. obtusata, C. ramenskii, C. rariflora, C. rostrata, C. rotundata, C. rupestris, C. saxatilis, C. scirpoidea, C. subspathacea, C. stans, C. tenuiflora, C. vaginata and others) (see Water Sedge, C. aquatilis, below) Family Name: Cyperaceae Description: Grass-like leaves on strong stems, usually triangular, sometimes rounded. Flowers in one to several large, stiff spikes at end of stem (or culm); brown or blackish to green. Some species have male and female spikes, with the male spike generally located at the top of the stem. Carex species have a bract below each female flower. Habitat and NSB locations: Usually found in moist areas, but some species are found in dry areas. Height: From 2 inches to 1 foot or more. Traditional Uses: none known

Sedge taken by Leslie Pierce near the Kukpowruk River in June.

Sedge taken by Jo Heathcote near Teshekpuk Lake.

Sedge taken by Jo Heathcote near Teshekpuk Lake.

77 SIBERIAN ASTER

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Aster sibiricus Family Name: Asteraceae Description: Leaves oblong to lance-shaped; serrated on edge near tip. Large flower head with purple ray flowers and yellow disk flowers in center. Habitat and NSB locations: Rocky areas. Height: 6-8 inches Traditional Uses: none known:

Siberian aster taken by Jo Heathcote near Teshekpuk Lake.

78 SNOW BUTTERCUP

Iñupiaq Name: Taqilakisaaq Scientific Name: Ranunculus nivalis (also have R. pygmaeus, dwarf buttercup, and R. pallasii) Family Name: Ranunculaceae Description: Bright green, 3 to 5-lobed leaves and bright yellow flowers. Usually the first flower to bloom for the season. Habitat and NSB locations: Wet meadows or areas. Height: About 3" high, but can shoot up to 8" in height later in the summer. Traditional Uses: None known. Plant is poisonous. DO NOT EAT.

Snow buttercups taken by Leslie Pierce near Barrow.

Snow buttercup taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake.

Dwarf buttercup taken by Leslie Pierce near NARL outside of Barrow in June.

79 SOURDOCK OR ARCTIC DOCK OR WILD SPINACH

Iñupiaq Name: Quaġaq, Quagaq, Quagak, Quaġak or Quagat Scientific Name: Rumex arcticus Family Name: Polygonaceae Description: Leaves oblong to lance-shaped; green turning reddish through summer. Tall flowering stem tough and reddish at base. Inflorescence a panicle of small greenish to reddish flowers. Habitat and NSB locations: Wet marsh Height: 10-14 inches Traditional Uses: Leaves, the younger green ones, are edible and slightly sour. Eaten raw or soaked in seal oil. Root is used for medicinal tea. IHLC Specimen: Photo of Sourdock specimen collected for the NSB Arctic Harvest project in the early 1990's.

Sourdock taken by Chris Finkler near Barrow.

Sourdock taken by Steve Hastings near Barrow.

80 SPHAGNUM MOSS

Iñupiaq Name: Uġru Scientific Name: Sphagnum spp. Family Name: Sphagnaceae Description: Stems form a thick mat, leaves in rosettes around the flexible stems. Color varies from yellows to reds to greens. Habitat and NSB locations: Wet, boggy areas. Height:3-4 inches Traditional Uses: Used for diapering material for infants. IHLC Specimen: Photo of Sphagnum specimen collected for the NSB Arctic Harvest project in the early 1990's.

Photo of Sphagnum moss with a few grasses and mushrooms. Photo by Chris Finkler near Barrow.

Close up picture of Sphagnum moss. Photo by Karen Hegyi near Barrow.

81 STARWORT

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Stellaria spp. (S. humifusa and S. laeta) Family Name: Caryophyllaceae Description: Leaves small, lance-shaped, slightly hairy, in pairs along slender stem. Flowers small with 6 bi-lobed white petals. Habitat and NSB locations: Moist areas. Height: 3-4 inches Traditional Uses: none known

Stellaria taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake in July

82 STINKWEED OR WILD SAGE

Iñupiaq Name: Sargiġruaq or Sargiq or Salgiġruaq Scientific Name: Artemisia tilesii Family Name: Asteraceae Description: Leaves deeply divided into 3-5 "teeth," green to gray-green; spike of small yellowish-brown flowers. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry tundra or sandy, rocky areas. Height: 1 to 2 feet Traditional Uses: Dry leaves or freeze. Boil in water. Drink 1 cup for colds, congestion, and sore throats, or chew and swallow juice only. Brown leaves picked in full are powdered and used as poultice on infected sores and cuts. IHLC Specimen: Photo of Stinkweed specimen collected for the NSB Arctic Harvest project in the early 1990's.

Stinkweed taken by Leslie Pierce near Point Lay in early July.

Stinkweed taken by Leslie Pierce in Colville River Delta in early August.

83 SUDETIC LOUSEWORT

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Pedicularis sudetica Family Name: Scrophulariaceae Description: Leaves basal, small and pinnately dissected. Flower spike dense, hairy; top petal pink with purple apex; lower petal whitish to pink with dark pink spots. Habitat and NSB locations: Wet tundra. Height: 3-4 inches Traditional Uses: none known

Sudetic lousewort taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake.

84 TANSY OR LAKE HURON TANSY

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Tanacetum bipinnatum or Chrysanthemum bipinnatum Family Name: Asteraceae Description: Stem single. Leaves 2-3 times pinnately dissected. Solitary flower head; yellow; hairy bracts. Habitat and NSB locations: Sandy areas. Height: 6-8 inches Traditional Uses: none known

Tansy taken by Leslie Pierce in the Colville River delta in early August.

Tansy taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake.

85 THRIFT SEAPINK

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Armeria maritima Family Name: Plumbaginaceae Description: Small,tufted plant with tall flowering stems; small, linear, grayish- green leaves. Flowers in short hemispherical, tight spikelets; petals pink to purple. Habitat and NSB locations: Found near shorelines in dry, sandy areas. Height: 4-5 inches Traditional Uses:

Taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake.

86 TUFTED SAXIFRAGE

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Saxifraga caespitosa Family Name: Saxifragaceae Description: Small, lobed, green leaves with reddish edges growing in tuft or cushion. Tiny white flowers held up above the cushion at the end of reddish stems. Habitat and NSB locations: Found in dry areas on the tundra. Height: ~ 2 inches Traditional Uses: none known

Saxifraga caespitosa taken by Leslie Pierce near Barrow.

87 TUNDRA GRASS

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Dupontia fischeri Family Name: Poaceae Description: Grass with yellow-green inflorescence, often with purplish tinge. Habitat and NSB locations: Sandy or wet areas, or near beaches. Height: Up to 1 foot high. Traditional Uses: none known Photo: See this picture on the Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas

Taken by Leslie Pierce south of Teshekpuk Lake.

88 TUNDRA ROSE OR ARCTIC CINQUEFOIL

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Potentilla hyparctica Family Name: Roseaceae Description: Low-lying plant; leaves are dark green and 3-lobed; deeply toothed and hairy. Flowers have 5 bright yellow petals Habitat and NSB locations: Dry tundra. Height: 3 inches. Traditional Uses: Leaves used for tea.

Tundra rose taken by Leslie Pierce near Barrow.

Tundra rose taken by Karen Hegyi near Barrow.

Tundra rose taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake.

89 VALERIAN

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Valeriana capitata Family Name: Valerianaceae Description: Single stem with pairs of leaves at nodes. Leaves broad, lance-shaped, 3- lobed, middle larger lobe slightly toothed. Flowers in dense cap at top of stem; white to lilac, narrow, tubular-shaped. Habitat and NSB locations: Moist tundra. Height: 8-12 inches Traditional Uses: none known

Valeriana taken by Leslie Pierce in the Colville River delta in early August.

90 WATER SEDGE

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Carex aquatilis Family Name: Cyperaceae Description: Long, grass-like leaves on thick, rounded stems. Flowers in several large, stiff spikes at end of stem (or culm); brown or blackish; two green leaf-like bracts extending beyond spikes. Habitat and NSB locations: Marshy areas and ponds. Height: 1 foot or more Traditional Uses: none known

Water sedge taken by Leslie Pierce south of Teshekpuk Lake.

91 WHITLOW GRASS

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Draba nivalis (see D. alpina, Golden Whitlow Grass, above) Family Name: Brassicaceae Description: Basal whorl of leaves; oblong to lance-shaped, slightly hairy. Flowering stem much taller, reddish-tinged; inflorescence dense, small white 4-petaled flowers bunched at top. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry areas. Height: 2-3 inches Traditional Uses: none known

Whitlow grass taken by Leslie Pierce near Barrow.

Draba taken by Leslie Pierce in Point Lay in June (may be D. cinerea or D. borealis)

92 WILD SWEET PEA

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Hedysarum mackenzii Family Name: Fabaceae Description: Stems mostly unbranched; leaves pinnately dissected with 3 to 7 leaflet pairs; leaves hairy below. Inflorescence much higher than leaves; large flowers purple to dark purple; Habitat and NSB locations: Rocky slopes, gravel bars. Height: 6-18 inches Traditional Uses: Not the edible species. H. mackenzii is thought to be poisonous. The edible Masu is H. alpinum which is found farther south. Photo: See this picture on the Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas

93 WILLOW

Iñupiaq Name: Uqpik or Uqpiich Scientific Name: Salix spp. (S. alaxensis or Felt-leaf willow, S. arbusculoides, S. arctica or Arctic Willow, S. glauca, S. lanata, S. pulchra, S. reticulata or Net-veined Willow, or S. rotundifolia or Round-leaved Willow) Family Name:Salicaceae Description: Leaves on willows vary from small, rounded, netted (S. arctica, S. reticulata or S. rotundifolia) to large, lance-shaped (S. alaxensis, S. arbusculoides, S. glauca or S. pulchra) to large and oval-shaped (S. lanata). Flowers in long catkins; male and female catkins on separate plants. Male catkins usually fuzzier, with long stamens (some red-tipped); female catkins usually harder or more firm, fruits turning to seeds with long hairs. Habitat and NSB locations: Dry tundra Height: From several inches in height (S. arctica, S. reticulata or S. rotundifolia) to tall shrubs 4 feet or higher (S. alaxensis, S. arbusculoides, S. glauca, S. lanata or S. pulchra). Traditional Uses: Young leaves and shoots high in vitamin C. Put leaves in seal oil and eat; good with meat; taste like Iqpik. Chew and lay on bee sting. The bark of willows contains salicylic acid (found in aspirin). Peel outer bark and suck out juice. IHLC Specimens: Photo of Salix arctica specimen and Salix alaxensis collected for the NSB Arctic Harvest project in the early 1990's. Photo: See these photos from the Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas: S. alaxensis, S. arbusculoides, S. arctica, S. glauca, S. pulchra, S. reticulata, S. rotundifolia,

Taken by Chris Finkler near Barrow, willow shrub about 8-10 inches in height.

94 Male willow catkins taken by Leslie Pierce near Barrow.

Male willow catkins taken by Jay St. Vincent near Barrow on June 15, 2008.

Male willow catkins taken by Karen Hegyi near Barrow.

Female willow catkins, taken by Chris Finkler near Barrow.

95

Female willow catkins, taken by Leslie Pierce near Barrow.

Willow catkins, female, taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake.

Male catkins on tall willow shrub taken by Leslie Pierce on the Kukpowruk River in June.

96 WOOD RUSH

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Luzula arctica (also L.confusa) Family Name: Juncaceae Description: Tufts of grass-like purplish-gray, narrow leaves, mostly basal; flowers in a dense cap or spike, dark grayish to violet. Habitat and NSB locations: Moist tundra or beachside cliffs Height: 4-6 inches Traditional Uses: none known Photo: See plant profile in the USDA Plant Database. See this picture of L.confusa on the Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas

97 WOOLLY LOUSEWORT

Iñupiaq Name: Itqiļiaġruk or Itqiļiaġruaq or Qutliiraq Scientific Name: Pedicularis lanata (also have P. kanei) Family Name: Scrophulariaceae Description: Fern-like leaves near base of plant. Flower stalk starts out as fuzzy, greenish-gray "pom-pom"; dark pink flowers open all over the "woolly" stalk. Height: About 3 to 5". Habitat and NSB locations: Found in higher, drier areas on the tundra, throughout the North Slope. Traditional Uses: Root is used as a starchy food, eaten raw by itself, or with seal oil. Flowers are edible.

Woolly lousewort buds taken by Karen Hegyi near Barrow.

Woolly lousewort taken by Leslie Pierce near Barrow.

Lousewort taken by Lindsey Kendall near Point Lay in early July. May be P. kanei or P. langsdorffii.

98 YARROW

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Achillea borealis Family Name: Asteraceae Description: Fuzzy leaves, that are long, narrow and highly dissected. Flowers in clusters a the top of stems (a corymb), small white ray flowers (3-4 mm long petals). Dark margins around the base of the flowers. Habitat and NSB locations: Sandy soils and meadows. Height: Up to about 1 foot Traditional Uses: Photo: See this drawing on the USDA Plants Database.

99 YELLOW LOUSEWORT OR CAPITATE LOUSEWORT

Iñupiaq Name: Scientific Name: Pedicularis capitata Family Name: Scrophulariaceae Description: Basal leaves, pinnately dissected; leaves along stem less dissected. Infloresence a cap at top of stem; sepals leaf-like, petals yellowish-colored; upper lip turning rose-colored, larger and curved; lower lip 3-lobed. Habitat and NSB locations: Rocky, dry areas. Height: 3-4 inches Traditional Uses: Flowers eaten occasionally.

Capitate Lousewort taken by Lyndsay Kendall near Point Lay in early July.

Capitate lousewort taken by Jo Heathcote south of Teshekpuk Lake.

100 PLANT RESOURCES

ARTICLES

Cortes-Burns et al. 2009. Rare vascular plants of the North Slope. BLM Alaska Technical Report 58.

BOOKS

Garibaldi, A. 1999. Medicinal Flora of the Alaska Natives. Alaska Native Heritage Program. University of Alaska Anchorage. 197 pp. Available online at http://aknhp.uaa.alaska.edu/botany/medicinal-flora-of-the-alaska-natives/.

Hultén, E. 1968. Flora of Alaska and Neighboring Territories: A manual of the vascular plants. Stanford University Press, Stanford, California. 1008 pp.

Johnson, M.J. 1995. Barrow Wildflower Sketchbook: flowering plants of Barrow, Alaska. North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management, Barrow, Alaska. 18 pp.

Jones, A. 2010. Plants That We Eat: Nauriat Niġiñaqtuat. 2nd edition. University of Alaska Press, Fairbanks, Alaska. 241 pp.

Pielou, E. C. 1994. A Naturalist’s Guide to the Arctic. University of Chicago Press: Chicago and London.

Pratt, Verna E. 1989. Field Guide to Alaskan Wildflowers. Alaskakrafts, Inc: Anchorage, Alaska.

POSTER

Ecosystems of Northern Alaska Poster Produced by Torre Jorgenson, ABR, Inc., Fairbanks, AK, and Michael Heiner, The Nature Conservancy, Seattle, WA.

WEBSITES

101 Alaska Native Heritage Program: Botany Here you will find information on rare and invasive plant species in Alaska.

Arctic Data Here you will find access to data collected and developed through the activities of the Conservation of Arctic Flora & Fauna (CAFF) and Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) Working Groups of theArctic Council. The aim of this service is to make available data generated through the activities of CAFF and PAME. The site is under development and data will be added as it becomes available

Field Guide for Alaska Grasses 2012 by Quentin D. Skinner, Stoney J. Wright, Robert J. Henzey, Joann L. Henzey, and Sandra K. Wyman. Distributed by Alaska Department of natural Resources.

Flora of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago An electronic database identifying about 350 species of plants found in the Canadian arctic, including pictures. Authors: S.G. Aiken, M.J. Dallwitz, L.L. Consaul, C.L. McJannet, L.J. Gillespie, R.L. Boles, G.W. Argus, J.M. Gillett, P.J. Scott, R. Elven, M.C. LeBlanc, A.K. Brysting and H. Solstad

International Tundra Experiment A collaborative effort of scientists from 11 countries who are monitoring plants of the tundra ecosystem and documenting their responses to environmental changes.

NSB-DWM Nutrition Studies Information on Traditional Foods

Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas Geobotanical maps and related materials (including plant photo library) supported by the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

UA MUSEUM OF THE NORTH: INTERACTIVE Carex KEY Useful for identification of sedge species on the North Slope.

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