Blooming woolly lousewort

Woolly lousewort (Pedicularis lanata), also known as "bumble-bee flower" are native to the alpine regions of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. This compact and hardy plant can withstand even the strongest Bering Sea winds. The "wool", as it is known, is a layer of fuzzy insulation, which wraps around the steam of the plant, protecting it from wind and cold. The entire lousewort plant is edible and has a history of food use by humans. The blossoms can be eaten raw, and have a lightly, sweet taste. The flower was observed while conducting McKay's Bunting and Rock Sandpiper distance-sampling surveys on St. Matthew Island.