Tanmaaqtarvingmi

Flame Lousewort

Despite their disagreeable sounding name, the capitate lousewort, like many showy

To reproduce, the fowers of plants are rich with sugary, sticky nectar. This nectar attracts bees, birds and butter who lap up the nectar. In the process, these transfer pollen from one fower to next!

Humans are not immune to tasty, sweet treats! Elders have described the capitate lousewort’s and like grapes from the store.

RIVER BEAUTY/ DWARF FIREWEED

Prickly Saxifrage

Arctic Heather

Move over giant Sequoia trees! This small (5-10 cm), low-lying northern shrub packs its own giant punch. The delicate white fowers are beautiful to look at—but it is the plant’s waxy looking leaves that can save a life.

The waxy feel is due to the high-resin content found in the plant. Resin is a natural fre starter. This means that, wet or dry, Arctic Heather is perfect fuel and a great way to start a campfre for warmth or cooking. It is a vital tool in a land with limited natural fuel resources.

The smoke from burning Arctic Heather can also be used to prevent fies and other insects landing on drying meat or fsh. Thankfully, the smell does not bother humans. Instead, the plant’s stem is a perfect natural incense. Try it on a stove, in a candleholder, or on a fat rock! That scent is a wonderful treat for those who use Arctic Heather for bedding. Gathered in large amounts, the plant can be layered on the ground to provide sof cushioning for a solid night’s sleep.

Arctic Cotton

This easily recognizable plant is as functional as it beautiful! The sof, white fowerheads provide food and comfort to many on the tundra. It's a tasty morsel for caribou, providing much needed energy to sustain them on their annual migration.

The heads also provide heat and light. Their fuf y composition makes them perfect tinder for starting fre in the late fall and early winter. Early Inuvialuit would use cotton grass heads as wicks in lanterns fueled by whale or seal oil.

Wooly Lousewort

One of the most surprising plants on the tundra, every summer the woolly lousewort morphs from a white, gray, mushroom-like thumb to a pink beacon of beauty.

Bumblebees, along with butterfies, are attracted to the pink fowers on the plant, hence its Inuvialuktun name, iguttait niqautingit (bumblebee food).

However, bees and butterfies aren’t the only species that fnd the woolly lousewort useful! The white fuzz found on the plant makes fne tinder for starting a fre. And if you dig deeper, under the soil, the yellow-coloured roots make a nutty treat. Some Elders recall their grandparents dipping them in seal oil or duck fat. Better than chips and dip!