Column from the Fairbanks Daily Newsminer July 14, 2008
Finally it is summer in Fairbanks, with warm weather and lush green growth all around us.
Wildflowers are showing off their bright yellows, purples, pinks and blues.
Arnica, fireweed, bluebells, wild sweet pea and others adorn the roadsides.
All is well. Or is it?
Among these wonderful native wildflowers are “imitators”; plants that lead us to believe that because they have beautiful flowers and lush green growth, they are harmless and wonderful also.
These are what are referred to as exotic plants. They have been introduced into Alaska for many different reasons: as forage crops, food sources, garden plants and by “hitch-hiking” on the wheels of vehicles or with animals.
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