Forget-Me-Not (Alaska State Flower)

The alpine forget-me-not (Myosotis alpestris) is the official state flower of Alaska, adopted in 1917, more than four decades before statehood. A small plant with bright blue petals and a yellow and white center, it grows in open, rocky places high in the mountains throughout Alaska and is typically seen in midsummer [1][2][3].

Description

The alpine forget-me-not grows 5 to 12 inches tall, with bright blue petals and a yellow and white center. Its flowers come in clusters in midsummer [2]. It belongs to one of the few plant families that display true blue flowers [3].

Habitat

It grows throughout Alaska in open, rocky places high in the mountains and is also found in gardens, paths and wet areas [2][3]. Alaska also has mountain forget-me-nots and splendid forget-me-nots [3]. Outside Alaska, Myosotis alpestris is native to much of southern and central Europe and the Caucasus [1].

State Flower

Alaska adopted the wild native alpine forget-me-not as the state flower in 1917, before statehood in 1959 [2][3].

Garden Forget-Me-Nots

The more common Myosotis sylvatica comes in pink, blue, white and purple, and many Alaskans consider it a garden pest. Seeds can be planted from early spring through August in rich soil with plenty of sun [2].

Fireweed

Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium), which grows 1 to 9 feet tall with pinkish-purple blooms, is often called Alaska’s unofficial state flower. It is usually the first plant to grow after a fire [2].

Symbolism

Blue on the Alaska state flag represents the Alaska sky and the forget-me-not flower [4]. See the entry on the Alaska state flag.

FAQs

What is the Alaska state flower? The alpine forget-me-not, adopted in 1917.

What color is it? Bright blue with a yellow and white center.

Where does it grow in Alaska? In open, rocky places high in the mountains.

When does it bloom? In midsummer.

What is Alaska’s unofficial state flower? Fireweed.

Sources

1. Wikipedia: Myosotis alpestris
2. Alaska Travel: Flowers of Alaska
3. State Symbols USA: Alaska State Flower
4. Wikipedia: Flag of Alaska

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue