Resources for Native Plants

The web resources linked on this page provide additional information related to the native plant species of Alaska. At the bottom of this page, we also provide a set of links to external resources for non-native plant species of Alaska. Additionally, AKNPS maintains a list of books and booklets to aid in identification of plants in Alaska. To access the bibliography, click the button below.

Native Plant Walks

Alaska Native Plant Society members lead plant walks at various locations. See the upcoming events page for a list of future plant walks and botanical field trips. You can also find ideas for viewing native plants in the resources listed below.

• Review our Native Plant Field Guides and Checklists for native plants we’ve observed on Alaska trails and in backcountry areas.
• Bird Walks, Outdoor Week, and more…. Check out the many year round events at the Campbell Creek Science Center.
• Cooperative Extension Service. Many programs are offered throughout the year and around the state. Check their website for the latest events.
• Public Lands Day. Some Saturday in September each year. This annual event is held at the Cambell Creek Science Center and affords fun events for the whole family as well as an opportunity to participate in conservation efforts such as tree planting and trail maintenance with other volunteers at the Campbell Tract. 
• National Trails Day. Some Saturday in June each year. This annual event is held at the Cambell Creek Science Center and affords fun events for the whole family as well as an opportunity to participate in conservation efforts such as trail maintenance with other volunteers at the Campbell Tract. 
• Eagle River Nature Center . At the end of Eagle River Road, this is a great place to go for local nature events. Check their website for calendar of events and directions. 
  
• Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats. This group also has local hikes. Click for a calendar of their events.
  
• Begich Boggs Visitor Center. Located in Portage Valley, the Begich Boggs Visitors Center has information about the Chugach National Forest, local ranger programs, and a learning center for students. 

Happy trails to you wherever you roam!

Native Seed Collection & Propagation

The Alaska Native Plant Society offers an annual seed distribution program. To learn more, contact seeds (at) aknps (dot) org. The following resources may be helpful to anyone who is interested in collecting or propagating Alaska native seed.

• Public Land Sources for Native Plant Materials in the Southcentral Alaska Region for Personal Landscaping (AKNPS, rev. 2023)
• Guidelines for Planting Seeds of Alaska Native Plants (Alaska Plant Materials Center, 2004)
• Summary Information on Growing Alaska Native Plants From Seeds (Alaska Native Plant Seed Library, 2022)
• Alaska Native Plants in Your Garden (AKNPS, Georgeson Botanical Garden, Alaska Botanical Garden, rev. 2024)
• Native Plant Network’s Propagation Protocol Database
• Ontario Rock Garden and Hardy Plant Society Germination Guide
• Wildflowers for Northern Gardens, by Patricia Holloway and Virginia Gauss (2021). This book includes garden site preparation, plant growth characteristics, propagation and cultivation techniques and a guide to northern wildflowers suitable for planting in gardens and other landscapes. Hardcopies are available through AKNPS and other retailers including Amazon.
• Collecting, Processing and Germinating Seeds of Western Wild Plants by James A. Young (1981, available as reprint).

Additional Resources for Non-native Plants

Non-native plants are establishing in Alaska at an increasing rate. Although most non-native plants grow in the periphery of developed areas, some, which are termed invasive plants, compete with native species in natural habitats. The linked resources below provide more detailed information on non-native plant species in Alaska. Additionally, our bibliography includes several books and booklets on non-native species.

• List of Non-Native Plants of Alaska. The full list of Alaskan invasive plant species. The Alaska Center for Conservation Science administers the database and website for the project.
• Non-Native Plants of Alaska. A guide to websites and downloadable literature for Alaskan invasive plant species.
• Alaska Committee for Noxious and Invasive Plants Management. Many photos, descriptions, links, and resources. Organized under the auspices of UAF Cooperative Extension Service, this informal group of individuals, agencies, and organizations statewide maintains an excellent and extensive website for information on Alaskan invasive species.
• Plant Materials Center. A list of legally prohibited and restricted noxious weeds as well as native plant sources, information on native plants for revegetation, and other literature by this state agency. The Plant Materials Center in Palmer, Alaska is maintained by the Division of Agriculture, Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
• Invasivespeciesinfo.gov. A gateway to federal and state invasive species activities and programs. A general listing for the USA of plants and animals with some profiles and other links.