Observers on the Flattop Mountain Trail in Anchorage, Alaska, have reported an unusual bright orange discoloration of Hemlock tree needles, likely due to winterburn, a condition caused by dry winds and cold winter conditions that desiccates needles, turning them orange in spring.

Observers report an increase in the abundance and height of cow parsnip, also know as pushki or wild celery. These conditions may be a signal of warming and wetter climate trends.

A new plant species is establishing itself in the area and impacting native beach greens.

This past winter/spring has been incredibly wet here - I wonder if that has something to do with the emergence of this slime mold.

Elodea was first observed in Harding Lake in 2020 growing in isolated patches and has since been assessed and managed by the Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District and its partners.

Blue sap was found on a spruce tree.

"I don’t recall seeing anything like this before."

Over a month of rain has tranformed Anchorage into a rainforest and revealed the plethora of fungi hiding in our lawns, parks and forests.

Nobody I have asked has seen any plant like this. I touched it soon after the picture and it turned into a maroon colored powder.

Interesting cysts covering a young choke cherry tree.

The first observations of orchids in the area were in 2020. Now they are becoming more common.

I have not seen this before at Cheney Lake.

An unidentified fungus is growing along the eroding coastal bank.

Fireweed observed with flat, curled stem and many buds, indicating fasciation.

"I am worried that unless we do something, the algae will kill the lake, or at least our enjoyment of it."

The northern gorundcone (Boschniakia rossica)s not commonly found in this area.

We do not ever recall having flowers blooming this late in the year.

Unidentified plant found on Nanwalek Beach

The leaves, in general, don't look too healthy. They seem to lack vitality and are shriveled in many places.

During the 2012 wind storm, many of the poplars lost branches or their tops. Now leave the leaves are growing back as big as pie plates.

Plant found in patch of high bush cranberries.

A problem for outboards.

Taking over my yard

Unknown purple plant species.

First dandelions of spring

Appears to be smothering all aquatic plant life.

Unusual Flora

Low water, warm temperatures and our seasonal waterfowl population are factors we think are contributing to the unprecedented algae and weed growth in the lake at the the Alaska Native Health Campus.

Unusual plant has red buds

1/27/15 Early plants - Klawock, Alaska, USA

Squirrel parka tail plants early

7-14-14 Yellow flowers genus Arnica - Togiak, Alaska, USA

7-25-13 Invasive dandelion - Levelock, Alaska, USA

This project includes observations and consults about invasive weeds in Alaska.