Prickly Roses about to bloom in Fairbanks

It was only a couple of weeks ago that the leaves started budding out here in Fairbanks, but already the wildflowers are starting to bloom. I was out walking today (without a camera of course) and saw bluebells and prickly roses that were about to bloom. Tomorrow I hope to get photos of some of the blossoms.

The drawing above is of a Prickly Rose  (Rosa acicularis). It is one of the three wild rose species that grown in Alaska. (The other two are the Nootka Rose (Rosa Nutkana) and Woods’ Rose (Rosa Woodsii).

It is not called Prickly Rose without reason. The stems are covered with slender straight thorns that have a tendency to break off if you accidently grab a stem or stumble through a bush. When (not if) the bits of thorn puncture and lodge beneath your skin they may fester. Best to wear long sleeves and pants when exploring Prickly Rose country.