| Yukon's Official Flower: The Fireweed |
| The Sub-Alpine Fir was selected as Yukon's official tree in 2001. The Sub-Alpine Fir grows anywhere from 6 to 20 meters tall, and is found in the Yukon regions, south of the Dawson area, and east of Haines Junction. It usually grows at higher elevations and is often used for campfires by people hiking and hunting at treeline. Its short stiff branches slope downward to withstand the heavy loads of snow and ice in the high country. Some Yukoners use the Sub-Alpine Fir as a Christmas tree, because it is well-shaped, holds its needles, and has a pleasant fragrance. It is also a popular landscaping tree. A lemony-tasting tea made from the needles is a traditional First Nation's cold remedy, rich in Vitamin C. Sap drawn from the blisters on its bark has been used by First Nation people as a traditional medicine for lung ailments. |
| Yukon's Official Gem: Lazulite |
| The azure-blue semi-precious gemstone, Lazulite, was proclaimed as Yukon's official gemstone in February 1976. It is the only semi-precious gemstone found in any quantity of the Yukon Territory. Lazulite is a rare and beautiful phosphorous-based mineral. Individual crystals up to 1 inch wide have been found, but crystals half that size or smaller are more common. Its name is taken from the Arabic word 'lazu' which means heaven. An old legend explains that Lazulite was created during a giant upheaval of the universe when pieces of the sky and sunlight were captured and held captive by Mother Earth. Lazulite's value is based on its beauty and scarcity, rather than its value as a cut stone, as it is relatively soft, and can be scratched with a knife. |
| The Raven was adopted as the Yukon's official bird in 1985. The Raven is seen everywhere in the Yukon - nesting in sheer cliffs in the bush or hopping along the streets on garbage day. It is a very intelligent bird and an 'opportunistic feeder' feasting on everything from carry-on to groceries left in the back of pick-up trucks. The Raven is the largest member of the Crow family, and has a body length of up to 70cm. = 28in. Ravens range in pairs and mate for life, laying 4 to 7 green spotted eggs in nests. |
| Well-formed crystals of this gem occur in only a few places, such as Austria, Sweden, Brazil, Southern USA & the Canadian Arctic. The color & crystalline qualities of the Yukon's Lazulite are among the finest in the world. |
| Yukon's Official Territorial Flag |
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| Yukon's Official Bird: The Raven |
| Fireweed AKA 'epilobium angustifolium' was chosen as the Yukon's floral emblem in 1957. The hardy magenta fireweed is one of the most attractive plants in the north. It blooms along roadsides, river bars and clearings from mid-July to September. It is one of the first plants to appear in burned areas. Stems of fireweed grow up to 3 meters, erect and unbranched. The plant has long narrow willow-like leaves ('angustifolium' means narrow leaved) and many four-petaled rose-purple flowers on a single stem. The young sprouts of fireweed are often cooked and eaten as greens. All parts of the plant are edible. |
| Yukon's Official Tree: Sub-Alpine Fir |
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