But, when the ice and snow melt, Alaska is a wealth of flowers. While many flowers blossom in May, some will not bloom until June. Although their growing season is short, it is important. Without their growth, many animals would not have food. Bearberries and Cranberries Bearberries and cranberries look like blueberry and cranberry plants - except they are nestles close to the ground.
Bearberries cover the ground like carpet, with but have very little flavor in the berry.
The fruit at low elevations is bright red, but even then, the flavor is not good. Eskimos might pick them and mix them with another berry, but will not eat it alone. The cranberry is similar. The dark red berries light up the mountain sides, and are noticeable throughout much of the winter. Fireweed Fireweed blooms from the bottom of the stem to the top.