State Flower of Alaska
Alpine Forget-me-not Is The State Flower of Alaska. Alaska Authority adopted the wild native alpine forget-me-not as their state flower in 1917. Alpine forget-me-nots belong to one of the few plant families that display true blue flowers. True forget-me-nots (Myosotis scorpioides) are popular in mixed borders and shade gardens where their sky blue flowers are a sure sign of spring.
The alpine forget-me-not is a dainty perennial that blooms in early summer. The Alaska State Flowers are essentially identical to the true forget-me-not and in the same shade of true blue, but alpine forget-me-nots are borne on shorter stalks (about 6 inches high). The plant has small tufted leaves and a loose papery sheath at the base of the stems.
General Description:
Stems erect to ascending, 1–10 cm. Herbage sericeous. Leaves 4–10 mm long, rounded at the tip; hairs denser toward the tip. Flowers: calyx 2–2.5 mm long; corolla 2–4 mm long, the limb 4–8 mm wide. Nutlets ca. 2 mm long, smooth.
Alpine Forget-me-not related species:
Woodland Forget-me-not is often erroneously sold as M. alpestris. Woodland National Flower of Alaska forget-me-not requires moderate shade and rich, moist soil to grow well; it is not a good choice for the well-drained soils of most rock gardens. It is an annual or biennial plant and readily self-sows. Alaska State Flower The flowers range in color from blue to pink and white.
Facts About Forget me not:
- Forget me not flowers are seen in rocky mountainous areas, woods, humid fields with altitudes of 700-2800 m.
- The fragrant Forget me not flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by bees, flies, and Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies).
- Forget me not flowers bloom between July and September.
- The whole Forget me not plant has astringent and ophthalmic properties and can be used as a lotion.
- Forget me not plant’s properties are an excellent remedy for many eye diseases.
- Forget me not plant is propagated by division in March or October or by stem cuttings taken in summer.
- Forget me not plant is tiny, with elliptical and hairy leaves in a rosette at the bottom, and about 2 cm long.
- The variety of Myosotis alba has white flowers and the variety Myosotis area has yellow flowers.