October 13, 2023 https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/187453913
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/187453913
With winter setting in very quickly, it’s been a struggle to find an identifiable plant. The animal population is also getting scares and the roads will be closing soon. I decided to wander around my neighborhood and one bright splash of color caught my eye… One of my favorite characteristics of my yard is the Icelandic Poppy population in my yard. They are beautiful orange, yellow and white flowers that brighten the yard every summer. I am not sure where they came from, but I suspect somehow seeds were either shared by neighbors or they blew across the road, as this house and the one across the street are the only two homes in Nome with poppies growing in their yards. I remember these flowers from when I was growing up in Nome, so bright and out of place in our dreary little town.
In an article from the University of Alaska Icelandic poppy, I learned that these poppies are considered invasive, though ranked fairly low (39 out of 100) for posing a threat to the native ecosystem. The article does not mention anything but a very low impact on its environment. It is also mentioned that this poppy is not native to Alaska. Like its Scandinavian name suggests, it is found in areas such as Finland, Norway, and Russia, according to Iceland poppy.
According to ravensongherbals.com, the leaves, flowers and seeds of the Icelandic poppies are edible. The cite says they can be used as a pain reliever or sedative and also be used in making dyes.
Works Cited
“Icelandic Poppy Seeds.” Ravensong Seeds & Herbals, ravensongherbals.com/herbs/icelandic-poppy#:~:text=The%20petals%20of%20Icelandic%20Poppy,Also%20useful%20for%20calming%20coughs.&text=The%20flowers%20are%20used%20to,of%20red%20and%20brown%20dyes. Accessed 13 Oct. 2023.
Nawrocki, Timm. Icelandic Poppy Papaver Croceum Ledeb. - Accs.Uaa.Alaska.Edu, accs.uaa.alaska.edu/wp-content/uploads/Papaver_croceum_BIO_PACR80.pdf. Accessed 13 Oct. 2023.
評論
Any mushrooms still observable in Nome? Or too late in the season already? Getting that way in Anchorage... Nice journal post, glad to find it.
Amy;
Yes, I too went into the forest noticing that plant life is dying out, but I think here in Southeast we have a little more time than you do up North! I’ve heard you folks have had snow already. We experienced our first windstorm a day or two ago. I love poppies, and they make me think of the California Poppy where I lived when I was younger. Bright red-orange flowers and a simple green stalk that they grew on, they too had seeds that my mom would go and collect and use in tea if we were slightly sick to help us sleep.
I have never heard of the Icelandic poppy, so I followed your citing's and read a bit. These poppies come in so many color's I was surprised. It says that they re-cultivate themselves. I wish I had a few seeds, but at the same time, if it is an invasive plant, I am not so sure I want to plant it. I am finding that as I grow older I don’t really want to plant anything around my little place unless it belongs here. Ecosystems are being destroyed because of our ability to make plants grow that don’t belong here. Never the less, your poppies are really pretty, and brought back a good memory.
Thank you! Gayleen
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