Official Alaska State Flower

Wild Native Forget-Me-Not

(Myosotis alpestris)

Adopted on April 28, 1917.

The Governor signed the bill into law April 28, 1917. Ten years later, the forget-me-not, Myosotis alpestris,? received yet another honor when Alaska's flag was adopted. The designer said the blue field, or background, represents Alaska's skies and the forget-me-not.

?When Alaska became a state, it kept the forget-me-not as its official state flower.

?The alpine forget-me-not is a perennial that grows 5 to 12 inches high in alpine meadows. The flowers have five connected salviform petals, colored sky blue, that are a quarter to a third of an inch wide. They have a white inner ring and a yellow center. Prefers cold, partial shade or partial sun to full sun; soil should be dry with a humous, moist soil.

The plant can be found in most areas across the state. A member of the borage family (Boraginaceae) its delicate blossoms add color to Alaska's hills and valleys during the brief summer months.

?The Forget-Me-Not was designated the official state flower of Alaska because it is thought to be a flower of constancy and perseverance; traits which perfectly characterized Alaska's first intrepid pioneers.

?The best time to see the alpine forget-me-not is midsummer, from late June to late July.

• Flowers - April - September. Bright, clear blue, 5 petals in a disc, with little yellow "ring" at the center.
• Leaves - Basal leaves elliptical and hairy, in a rosette at the bottom, about 2 cm long.
• Habitat - Rocky mountainous areas, woods, humid fields. Altitudes of 700-2800 m.

One species, Myosotis rupicola, which we shall note again as M. alpestris, loves rocks and stones, and will thrive in a comparatively dry position. It is one of Alaskan Flower Essence Project essences its use is as follows: "Opening our hearts to allow the release of fear and pain held deep in the subconscious; remembering our original innocence. "

?