Botanist Marilyn Barker is a retired professor and founding member of the Alaska Native Plant Society. (Marc Lester / ADN)
Walking on the Middle Fork Loop Trail, the wood boardwalk is a stark contrast to the luscious green land as far as the eye can see. Botanist Marilyn Barker, 82 years old, and her trusty companion Cassi, an Australian shepherd, enjoy walking on trails in the Glen Alps area to view the many wildflowers that are native to Alaska.
Barker, a retired professor of biology, is one of the founding members of the Alaska Native Plant Society and spends much of her time enjoying and teaching others about Alaska flora.
The height of the wildflower season, according to Barker, is between June and July. The Glen Alps trails have both subalpine and alpine environments.
Barker said that the common names of plants change so often that she sticks to teaching people the names that are found in the “Flora of Alaska and Neighboring Territories” book by Eric Hulten.
Here are some of the wildflowers that can be found walking around trails in the Glen Alps area.
Wild geranium (Geranium erianthum)
Wild geranium (Geranium erianthum). (Marc Lester / ADN)
This geranium can be found south of the Alaska Range, in Southcentral to Southeast Alaska, and in the Aleutians. Known for its resilience, this plant can grow in the sun or shade. Barker recounted a time when she had picked these flowers and put them on her kitchen table. She said she found seeds 8 feet from her table, where the parent plants were. Geraniums will catapult their seeds when they are ripe.
Corn lily or false hellebore (Veratrum viride)
Corn lily or false hellebore (Veratrum viride). (Marc Lester / ADN)
As one of the deadliest plants in Alaska, the corn lily’s pale yellow flowers transform to fruit capsules. Barker said that this plant has some medicinal uses if administered properly. Eating any part of the plant can be deadly; the roots are considered to be the most poisonous.
Corn lily or false hellebore (Veratrum viride). (Marc Lester / ADN) Indian paintbrush or Unalaska paintbrush (Castilleja unalaschcensis)
Indian paintbrush (Castilleja unalaschcensis). (Marc Lester / ADN)
Indian paintbrush flowers come in a variety of colors, such as red, yellow and orange, with yellow being the dominant color found in Southcentral Alaska. This plant thrives in coastal, subalpine meadows.
Merten’s sedge (Carex mertensii)
Merten’s sedge (Carex mertensii). (Marc Lester / ADN)
As the rhyme goes, this sedge does in fact have edges. With triangular stems, this plant can grow up to 3 feet tall. The inflorescence, or the flowers on the plant’s stem, features both female and male parts, which allows the plant to be able to self-fertilize if needed.
“Sedges have edges, rushes are round, grasses are hollow right through the ground, those are the three grassy groups.”
Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium)
Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium). (Marc Lester / ADN)
This common and well-known Alaska flower is often the first to appear in disturbed areas, particularly spots that have been affected by wildfires. Locals use its blooms to indicate the change of seasons. Blooming at the top of the plant signals that summer is soon coming to an end. In August and September, fireweed’s seed pods take on a cotton-like form and disperse through the air.
“When fireweed turns to cotton, summer is soon forgotten.”
Sitka valerian (Valeriana sitchensis)
Valerian (Valeriana sitchensis). (Marc Lester / ADN)
Growing in different habitats, this plant has many medicinal properties. Known for its sedative and calming properties, valerian can be used as a sleep aid. Barker told a tale associated with this plant: Gathering the root and sticking it in your pillowcase is “supposed to bring you sweet dreams,” Barker said.
Cow parsnip (H. lanatum)
Cow parsnip (H. lanatum). (Marc Lester / ADN)
Also known as “wild celery” or “pushki,” cow parsnip can cause skin to break out into a rash or blister if you brush against it. The hairs on the leaves and stem release a sap that impacts the skin upon being exposed to sunlight. In the early spring before the plant begins to flower, Barker said, “you can actually peel that outer layer off and you can eat the center.” Cow parsnip is one of the three wild celeries in Alaska.
Tall groundsel (Senecio triangularis)
Tall groundsel (Senecio triangularis). (Marc Lester / ADN)
Also known as arrowleaf, this plant is known for its triangular, toothed leaves and yellow flowerheads. The groundsel typically grows in subalpine meadows.
Trailing raspberry (Rubus pedatus)
Trailing raspberry (Rubus pedatus). (Marc Lester / ADN)
Barker referred to this plant as a “raspberry wannabe” because it has two to five drupelets, compared to raspberries, which have 20 to 30 drupelets making up each berry. Not only are the white flowers lovely to look at, but they produce fruit that is edible. The tiny red berries come from the five petaled flowers.
Monkshood (Aconitum delphinifolium)
Monkshood (Aconitum delphinifolium). (Marc Lester / ADN)
Another one of Alaska’s poisonous plants is here: monkshood. This rich purple flower stands out against the other colors around it. It is harmless to touch this plant, however all parts of the plant are poisonous, so be sure to wash your hands after handling.
Monkshood (Aconitum delphinifolium). (Marc Lester / ADN) Prickly wild rose (Rosa acicularis)
Prickly rose (Rosa acicularis). (Marc Lester / ADN)
Light pink flowers sit delicately on the top of a prickly rose stem. The difference between a prickly wild rose plant and the Nootka rose plant, Barker explained, can be seen on the stem and flower size. The prickly rose has no place where you can lay your fingers without getting stuck, while the Nootka rose’s prickly thorns are more spaced out, making it easier to touch. The rosehips are edible and can be turned into rosehip syrup.
Grove sandwort (Moehringia lateriflora)
Grove sandwort (Moehringia lateriflora). (Marc Lester / ADN)
This small and delicate plant is often mistaken for chickweed. Sandwort is a native plant to Alaska and is commonly found throughout the state, except on the North Slope. The flowers themselves are quite small, with five oblong petals.
Burnet (Sanguisorba stipulata)
Burnet (Sanguisorba stipulata). (Marc Lester / ADN)
Growing in wet places, burnets are known for their white or reddish-purple flowers. The flowers sit atop stems that can range from 7 to 31 inches tall. This plant is a part of the rose family.
Bog candle (Platanthera dilatata)
Bog candle (Platanthera dilatata). (Marc Lester / ADN)
This fragrant white orchid is commonly found in wet meadows, streambanks or lakeshores. Covered in clustered, small white flowers, the stem can reach from 6 to 36 inches tall.
Death camas (Zigadenus elegans)
Death camas (Zigadenus elegans), right, and monkshood (Aconitum delphinifolium). (Marc Lester / ADN)
The word “death” in its common name is no joke. The death camas is known for its toxic qualities with all fresh parts being dangerous if consumed. If dried, the plant becomes more potent and more dangerous. It is generally safe to touch the plant. Yellow flowers sit atop of the stem in a large cluster. Death camas can be mistaken for wild onions.
Twinflower (Linnaea borealis)
Twinflower (Linnaea borealis). (Marc Lester / ADN)
Also known as twinflower, these bell-shaped, delicate and small flowers emit a fragrance similar to butterfly orchid or lilac. The flower lets out this scent to attract pollinators. These flowers can be found in forests, bogs and rocky shorelines.
Star gentian (Swertia perennis)
Star gentian (Swertia perennis). (Marc Lester / ADN)
This dark purple plant thrives in wetlands. It is a perennial herb, meaning that it will live in the same root system for many years, unlike other annual plants, which complete their life cycle within a year. Star gentian can often be found in wetland areas around Southcentral to Southeast Alaska.
Blue flag iris (Iris setosa)
Blue flag iris (Iris setosa). (Marc Lester / ADN)
With three large purple petals, the blue flag iris is very captivating. It is poisonous if ingested, but not dangerous to hold. This plant prefers wet areas and is another perennial plant. Irises grow most commonly south of the Brooks Range.
Blue flag iris (Iris setosa). (Marc Lester / ADN)
Looking at the flowers around her, Barker paused to take in the view. She introduced a wide variety of plants over the course of an hour and a half. Each spring, Barker teaches a wildflower identification course through the Alaska Botanical Garden.
“It’s stunning with flowers right now,” Barker said. “You’ve got everything from orchids to roses out there.”
Marilyn Barker walks on the Middle Fork Loop Trail in Chugach State Park on July 18, 2025. (Marc Lester / ADN)