Alaska State Flower: Forget-Me-Not

Alaska recognizes the Forget-Me-Not as its state flower. These delicate plants stand just 6 to 12 inches tall. Each stem produces multiple small flowers. The blooms typically measure one-quarter to one-half inch across. The five-petaled flowers display a distinctive sky blue color with bright yellow centers.

Forget-Me-Nots thrive in Alaska's cool climate and short growing season. Plants grow in various habitats across the state. You'll find them in alpine meadows, along streams, throughout tundra regions. The flowers appear from June through August, depending on elevation and local conditions. Some areas see blooms as early as May in warmer microclimates.

These hardy perennials adapt well to Alaska's extreme environment. They tolerate cold temperatures. The plants grow in areas where few other flowering species survive. The low growth habit protects them from harsh winds common in exposed locations. Root systems anchor firmly in rocky or sandy soils.

Known as Forget-Me-Not, this flower's scientific designation is Myosotis alpestris. The species belongs to the Boraginaceae family. This family includes approximately 2,000 species of flowering plants worldwide.

The scientific name Myosotis comes from Greek words meaning 'mouse ear.' This refers to the plant's small, fuzzy leaves. The species name alpestris indicates its preference for alpine environments. Several related Myosotis species grow in Alaska, but Myosotis alpestris represents the official state flower. Other common names include alpine forget-me-not and mountain forget-me-not.

In 1917, Alaska chose the Forget-Me-Not as its territorial flower through a vote organized by the Alaska Territorial Legislature. This occurred before Alaska achieved statehood in 1959. The flower retained its official status when Alaska became the 49th state. No legislative action was needed to reaffirm the designation.

Women's groups across Alaska promoted the Forget-Me-Not during the selection process. They emphasized the flower's abundance throughout the territory. The delicate blue blooms captured the spirit of Alaska's pristine wilderness. Advocates argued it represented Alaska's rugged character better than cultivated garden flowers.

School children participated in the selection by voting for their preferred flower. The Forget-Me-Not won support across different regions of the vast territory. Its hardy nature made it a fitting choice. The widespread distribution meant residents from Ketchikan to Barrow recognized the flower. When the territorial government made the designation official on April 28, 1917, the Forget-Me-Not became one of Alaska's first official symbols.

Alaska's state bird is the Willow Ptarmigan, a grouse species that changes color with the seasons. Both symbols represent Alaska officially. The Forget-Me-Not was adopted in 1917 during the territorial period. The Willow Ptarmigan became the state bird in 1955, four years before statehood.

The Forget-Me-Not is commonly seen as representing remembrance and enduring connection. In Alaska, the flower has been linked to the state's pioneering spirit and ability to thrive in challenging conditions. The delicate appearance contrasted with hardy nature frequently represents the resilience required to flourish in Alaska's extreme environment.