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THE PLANT LORE COLLECTION
Sometimes the peddler's pack contains gloves, clippers, and gathering sacks, and the peddler carries a plant press. In the summer, her other business, known as Backwoods Botany, occupies a large portion of her time.
On this "Plant Lore" page she combines her knowledge of plants with a very original collection of plant-related products. So, browse in the wild garden to your heart's content, learn about some Alaskan plants, and find some more unique items for your Alaskan collection. |
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Photos by Evelyn Wiszinckas
FIREWEED
Epilobium angustifolium
In August, the hillsides of Kodiak are often purple-hued with the blooms of the prolific fireweed. This tall plant with long, narrow, willowy leaves and showy pink-to-purple spire thrives in marginal soils. It is also often the first plant to reappear after fire has razed the land.
Because it is so readily available, fireweed is a great plant to add to the Alaskan survival kit. It is useful from the time its first new shoots appear in spring through its entire growth cycle.
In early spring, the red shoots, high in Vitamin C and A, form the main ingredient for a salad with vinaigrette dressing. Throughout the spring until the plant reaches over 6 to 7 inches in height, it may be steamed, asparagus-style. Young plants or leaves also furnish important salad additions. In summer and fall, the leaves may be brewed for tea. Its blossoms yield a delicately flavored honey. All during its adulthood, the fireweed stem may be split and placed on a boil or infection. The split stem improves drainage and enhances the healing process.
In late fall the fireweed leaves turn a deep red color, like fire, thus saying its own name. Then, as it dries, communities of small seeds gather in a cottony substance that is cultivated by the wind to insure survival for yet another season. |
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FIREWEED JEWELRY
When the fireweed reaches full bloom, it is a bittersweet time for Alaskans, as they know the end of summer is fast approaching. Wear a lovely silver fireweed pin by Pat Pearlman to keep a bit of summer always close at hand.
Large Fireweed Pin $47.00
If you prefer a smaller pin, Pat Pearlman has designed this silver piece in a more diminutive size.
Medium Fireweed Pin $25.00
To enhance your sunny disposition, choose these fireweed blossom earrings designed in sterling silver by Judie Gumm. Rhodonite drops capture the pink hue of fireweed in bloom.
Fireweed Earrings $42.00 |
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CHOCOLATE LILY
Fritillaria camschatcensis
Hold one of these blossoms under your sweetheart's nose for a surprising reaction. This striking brownish-purple flower shaped like a large bell has leaves that surround the stem in 2 to 3 attractive whorls. The chocolate lily is spectacular to look at but holds its viewers at arm's length by its disagreeable odor.
Also known as Indian rice, the roots of this lily family species are an important source of plant carbohydrate. The bulb, made up of rice-like kernels, may be eaten raw, steamed, added to casseroles, or stir-fried with a spicy sauce. Local natives mixed the ricelets with tart fruit, such as wild raspberries.
Bitterness is reduced if the plant is gathered late in the fall. Or, soak overnight or cook in a change or two of water; add lemon juice. These bulblets may also be dried for winter use. |
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BACKWOODS BOTANY
If you are in the Kodiak area and would like to take a hike to identify wild plants, contact Fran at the Peddler's Pack Gift Shop in the Best Western Kodiak Inn. The phone number is (907) 486-5712, Extension 201. You may also send Fran an Email at this address. There is a charge of $125.00 per first adult hiker and $50 for each additional hiker. (Minimum 2 hikers) Children under 12 will be charged $25. Family rates are available. Hikes take place on weekday afternoons; allow 3 hours for this activity. Information on transportation, what to wear, and printed reference materials will be provided when you call to make your reservations.
Fran, who is the proprietor of Backwoods Botany, has considered Alaska her home for 33 years. For over 20 years she lived in her hand-built cabin on a forested beach on nearby Spruce Island. During those years she taught adults in the village of Ouzinkie for five years, directed a "Plants Class" study group, and wrote a book of their collected information. Alaska Northwest Books published "Plant Lore of an Alaskan Island" in 1985. Though the book is now out of print, plans are formulating to republish it soon.
In 1982, Fran was named the Adult Educator of the Year by the AAEA for her work in adult education and with her plants group. She says, "It brings me great pleasure to pass on information about local flora to those who are interested. I love to do my part to help preserve and teach this information about plants and their uses. I look forward to sharing this important body of knowledge with you. Come visit us, bring your camera and your curiosity, learn about our local flora, and marvel at the wonders of our island." |
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Photo by Margaret Hallam
LINGONBERRY;
LOWBUSH CRANBERRY
Vaccinium Vitis-idaea
The lingonberry, or lowbush cranberry, is a miniature creeping evergreen shrub with slender, woody stems. Its shiny dark green oval leaves curl under at the margins. The pink bell-shaped flowers grow alone or in clusters, and give way to round bright red berries that are sour to the taste. These berries may be gathered in fall, winter, or spring. They will winter over at times. I have found them in March as the snow melted. Their high benzoic acid content preserves them well.
They may be used in any cranberry recipe, and provide excellent flavor. They make great syrup for the morning pancakes. As lingonberries provide their own thickener, no pectin is necessary. Here is my easy cranberry sauce recipe: Combine 4 cups berries, 3 cups sugar, and 2 cups water. Boil for 20 minutes, or until mixture begins to thicken. Seal in hot, sterilized jars.
Whether found in open forest, mossy hummock of a sphagnum bog, or on a high alpine slope, gathering these small morsels is like a treasure hunt. Brush back their protecting leaves - they are hiding under there! Later, eating the sauce spread on a piece of golden toast provides a symphony of taste whose melody recalls the rich days of autumn when they were harvested.
Native Alaskans chewed lingonberries raw or cooked them for kidney problems. They were chewed or placed in a poultice to relieve a sore throat. |
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ROOTING VASE
Add a work of art to your window and a new plant to your indoor garden with this unique innovation created by The Two Sisters of Washington. Pour water into the attractive glass container with its handmade beaded hanger, put in a plant start that you wish to root, and hang your rooting vase in your favorite window. Plants love it, and so will you!
Rooting Vase $36.00
Color Choices: Blue, Green, Natural, Turquoise, and Purple |
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