Early Plants

Observation: Just this week I observed dandelions starting to shoot up from ground. We also saw grass sprouting up in dead areas. We have had very little snow and an increased amount of torrential rain this winter season. The winter has been mild to say the least. Our travel from Klawock to Hollis on Prince of Wales Island covers a pass that is traditionally covered with snow and icing conditions. We have had no problem traveling over the pass as it is wet and free from icing and snow.

Cooperative Extension Service Consult: Gino Graziano, Invasive Plants Instructor writes, "Interesting, this is the second early season plant growth post this winter. Dandelions are one of the first things to green up in the spring, and the unusually mild temperatures experienced in Southeast Alaska this winter could allow them to begin growth now. I would not suspect they will do more than you are seeing now. It will be interesting to see when the dandelions begin to flower this season." Unversity of Fairbanks Alaska