Alaska - Forget-me-Not

State Flower of Alaska -There are approximately 50 species, with considerable variation. Flowering in spring with color variation of blue and white or pink forms are common. Forget-me-nots prefer shade. Seeds can be collected by putting a piece of paper under the stems and shaking them. They can be both annual and perennials.

Interesting facts:

• In the 15th century Germany, it was supposed that the wearers of the flower would not be forgotten by their lovers
• Legend has it that in medieval times, a knight and his lady were walking along the side of a river. He picked a posy of flowers, but because of the weight of his armour he fell into the river. As he was drowning he threw the posy to his loved one and shouted "Forget-me-not". This is a flower connected with romance and tragic fate. It was often worn by ladies as a sign of faithfulness and enduring love
• The forget-me-not is a traditional symbol of Alpha Phi International Fraternity, the fourth Greek-lettered sorority for women
• The Alzheimer Society of Canada's symbol is the forget-me-not flower. The symbol represents memory loss - one of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
• The Forget-me-not are traditionally worn by Newfoundlanders on July 1st in remembrance of those Newfoundlanders who died during the First World War.