This is fireweed.
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It is the upside down hourglass of Alaska's summer.
The flowers start blooming at the bottom of the stalk and work their way up.
Supposedly, the last flowers blooming at the top of the stalk mark the end of summer.
Unfortunately, this picture was taken a week or two ago. The blooms keep inching their way upward.
Say it ain't so. I'm not ready yet.
Very good, my Cheechako friend. Local lore has it that winter starts six weeks after the fireweed tops out, too. Unless it snows earlier, of course. Love your "hour glass" reference.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain!
ReplyDeleteHi Beth,
ReplyDeleteJust found your cool blog. I recently moved from AK to Virginia after 16 years in Anchorage.
I loved living there (my husband was born and raised there) but find in the balance, I am happy to live somewhere where the winters are not nearly as long and family not so far away. You are right, it isn't like any other place nor are the folks who choose to stay in Alaska like other people. I loved it, have fond memories and after seeing your blog and the fireweed feel a little homesick......especially since it is 92 degrees here in southwestern VA!
Take care and enjoy being in a magical place.
Lora
greencat@embarqmail.com
Cool! Is it annual or perennial?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the photos!
@Gullible, thanks for compliment. I was quite proud that my little brain came up with that reference ;)
ReplyDelete@Mom I can't believe that summer is nearly over! ugh.
@Annonymous, Thanks for stopping by my blog! I hope you continue to enjoy it. I am only slightly jealous of your 92* right how. Our summer has been quite rainy, cold, and miserable. I'd take 92 for a day and then give it back.
@TBSC, I believe that it is a perennial. It might be an annual that just reseeds itself every year. I'm not sure, they are wildflowers here. Your blog cracks me up, by the way ;)