Non-Traditional Plants

Goldenrod is a beautiful composite plant, related to the sunflower. The plant reaches a height of about 2 feet tall and has dark green, long lance shaped leaves. The flower stalk is topped with many bright, golden flowers in clusters. I found the plant on the cliff and bluff sides in Golovin, where it enjoyed the bright sun.

I included this plant in my collection, though it has no Iñupiaq name and is not used traditionally. Goldenrod grows very well in Golovin and I included it here in hopes that it may begin to be used. My source indicating it's medicinal and food use was in "Alaska's Wild plants," by Janice J. Schofield. Schofield writes that the leaves are useful, "blend(ed) with mixed greens in quiche, soups, and casseroles." She says to, "add seeds to stews as a thichener, and flowers to breads and cake batters." Goldenrod is useful as a medicine in tea, "strengthening the kidneys, soothing urinary inflamation and kidney stones, and reducing bronchial congestion." Other miscellanious uses include dyeing clothing and hair rinses. (Schofield, p. 65)