I cleaned out my flowerbed awhile back and found this plant. I was hoping it was a flower and kept it. Now that I have moved all of my irises, it has had room to grow and bloom. I would love for someone to help me identify it!
Unknown Flower
flowers
Sweet White Clover
Did you know that there is white sweet clover in Alaska? I mean A LOT of white sweet clover… It is all over my yard. I love it. It smells divine. I go out on my porch when the clover is in bloom and deeply breath in the heavenly smell.
I have learned, however, that not everyone in Alaska is impressed with it. It might smell good, but it is considered invasive. There are people who think that it is interfering with the pollination of the berry plants. Apparently the bees are neglecting some of the blueberry and raspberry plants because they like the clover as much as I do!
I haven’t tried it, but I read that the clover blossoms are quite delicious and high in protein.
Have you tried it? I’m pretty sure Shon would wonder what was up if he found it in a salad.
Alaska Wild Iris
The wild iris in Alaska fascinates me. It was one of the first flowers I noticed at the cabin on Cub Lake. My front flowerbed was filled with them, packed in so tightly that nothing else would grow. I tried using a shovel to dig some up, but had no luck. Shon couldn’t even break through that thick root mass. We eventually got a grubbing hoe to thin them out a bit. I pulled them up and threw them in another area where I thought they might take root. I didn’t even dig holes! Sure enough, they have taken hold and are filling in that area nicely. I’m not sure I could kill them if I tried! They love the moist soil, but can also survive in rocky areas. I frequently see them next to lakes, in bogs, and in swampy meadows. Basically, they aren’t too picky.
Right before they are finished flowering, they develop a seed pod, as you can see in the picture. In the fall, that pod dries out and a bunch of little brown seeds get spit out onto the ground. The first year we were here, I tried to catch each and every seed so I could plant them where I wanted them. Little did I know that I didn’t need to bother. They grow wild and are super easy to transplant.
After a little research, I have learned that they are also found in much of Canada, Maine, and New Hampshire. In some parts of Asia, such as Siberia, China, Korea, and Japan, they can also be found.
I sure hope those people have a grubbing hoe!
(Research found at lwpetersen.com.)
#alaskawildflower #alaska #wildiris
Where did you come from, little flower?
One of my favorite things to do is walk around our cabin on Cub Lake admiring the flowers. My husband, Shon, has NO interest in them whatsoever. I don’t think he even sees them, so it is one of those activities I do on my own. I take my camera with me and shoot picture after picture of the beautiful blooms, hoping to snag that perfect shot. I dream of the day when I have a greater variety of beautiful Alaska flowers. Right now I am rich in daisies with just a few other perennials.
A few days ago, I came across this little flower in the midst of my daisies.
What the HECK? Where did it come from? What is it?
It looked so out of place. It was the wrong color. The center was too big. The petals drooped down instead of curving upward.
And yet it was beautiful and demanded my attention because it was unique.
Do you feel out of place at times? I sure do! I hope I can remember this little flower the next time I don’t feel like I fit in.
