How to Respect
Wildlife and Nature

Reindeer

Reindeer are generally very frightened by man. However, there have been a few instances in which they have shown no fear and some aggression. This tends to happen in October; if it does, get out of sight or climb up a rock, where the reindeer cannot reach you.

In general, do not touch any animals, especially newborns (their mother may refuse to care for them if they have the smell of man). This goes for all animals.

Polar Bears

You are highly unlikely to see a polar bear in this part of Greenland, as they prefer the cold and isolation of the north and east. However, it is not unheard of to see polar bears in this region, so just to make sure you are completely prepared, take a look at our infographic about encountering polar bears.

Broad-leafed Willow-herb

niviarsiaq

The broad-leaved willow-herb is Greenland’s national flower, and is found all over the country. It stands out against the muted greens and browns of the landscape with its deep pink petals. The cooked leaves of the plant have medicinal properties and are often used to ease arthritic limbs, back pain, sunburn and insect bites. In Greenlandic, the broad-leaved willowherb is known as niviarsiaq, which translates to “the young girl”.

Common Harebell

tikiusaaq | sianiusat

The common harebell is widespread throughout the circumpolar region, and symbolises resilience in love. It grows to varying sizes, from 4-5 cm to 30-40cm tall. In Greenlandic, the flower has two names: tikiusaaq, meaning “the one that looks like the index finger”, and sianiusat, meaning “the one that looks like a bell”. As well as these, it also has many nicknames, including, in Danish, dame fingerbøl (ladies’ thimbles) and heksens fingerbøl (witch’s thimbles).

Dandelion

inneruulaq | seqiniusaaq

The dandelion is a striking yellow flower which has 24 different species in Greenland alone, several of which are endemic. The dandelion is rich in iron, containing more iron in its leaves than even spinach! The bitter, milky sap that can be found inside all parts of the plant can sometimes be used to alleviate mosquito bites, although some people can get an allergic reaction to it. In Greenlandic, the dandelion is known as inneruulaq (fire-like) or seqiniusaaq (sun-like).

Common Juniper

Kakillarnaq

The common juniper is the most widespread conifer in the world. It grows slowly and can live for more than 100 years. This tree is incredibly flammable, even when wet. The female plants produce blue-black berries which are too bitter to eat raw – they are often dried and used to flavour meat, sauces and alcohol. The juniper’s Greenlandic name, Kakillarnaq, translates to “the very stinging plant”.

Bog Labrador Tea

qajaasaq

Bog Labrador Tea is an evergreen dwarf shrub. Its name derives partly from the size of its leaves, and partly from the Inuit of Labrador, Canada, who used to use the plant to brew tea. Rubbing the leaves of the plant between your hands and then on your face and skin can sometimes help to keep mosquitoes at bay. The plant’s Greenlandic name, qajaasaq, means “what looks like a kayak”, and refers to the shape of its leaves.

Arctic Poppy

sungaartorsuaq

The Arctic Poppy is one of the northernmost growing plants in the world (joint with Purple Saxifrage), having been found growing at 83º north on Kaffeklubben Island, off the northern coast of Greenland. You are most likely to find the Arctic Poppy growing amongst rocks, which provide protection for the roots. Depending on where you see the poppy, it could have either light yellow or white flowers, as the colour of its petals is dependant on the local weather conditions. The poppy symbolises beauty, fertility and eternal life, and its Greenlandic name, sungaartorsuaq, means “the big yellow”.

Crowberry

paarnaqutit

The crowberry, or blackberry, has a very interesting global distribution, being found across temperate parts of South America as well as in Greenland. Biologists have explained this as a result of migrating birds spreading seeds. These berries are a crucial food source for animals and people who live off the land, as they remain edible all year round, even when buried under the snow. Paarnaqutit translates to “the one who carries berries”.

Bog Bilberry | Arctic Blueberry

kigutaarnat nagguii

The bog bilberry is only found in Northern Europe, North America and in Greenland. Although it is also known as the arctic blueberry, it is not the same as the wild blueberry and the American blueberry, as it does not have the same flavour. As well as being used for cooking, the blueberry has historically been used in medicine and cosmetic products. The Greenlandic name for the plant is kigutaarnat nagguii, with kigutaarnat translating to “without a berry stone”.

Purple Saxifrage

kakillallit

Purple Saxifrage, together with the Arctic Poppy, holds the record as the northernmost growing flower. Because of its particularly hardy and reliable nature, it has been selected as the national flower for Nunavut, Canada. The plant’s Greenlandic name translates to “those with thorns”. This is slightly misleading, however, as purple saxifrage has no thorns.

Arctic Cottongrass

ukaliusaq

Arctic Cottongrass is common throughout Greenland. Despite appearances, it is not a wool or cotton plant; it is actually closely related to grasses. The wool fibres that surround the flowers are designed to catch the sun’s rays and increase the internal temperature of the plant. These special flowers also have a use for local people, who use them in all sorts of clothing. Ukaliusaq, the plant’s Greenlandic name, means “the one that resembles a hare”.

Common Horsetail

nerlerite nerisassate | tuttut nerisaat

The Common Horsetail is related to the fern family. It has deep roots which makes it very tough to get rid of. Pictured is the spring plant – in summer, the plant sprouts green ‘branches’ which make it look more like a small pine tree. Historically, this plant has had many uses, from medicinal to culinary and even as a polish for metal surfaces and kitchen equipment. The Greenlandic name for the Common Horsetail translates as “something that reindeer eat”.

Wild Thyme

tupaarnaaq

Wild thyme is an evergreen dwarf shrub in the mint family. It has been used from as early as 5,000 BC for all sorts of varied purposes, from embalming, as incense, and for superstitious reasons. Today, it is still used for medicinal reasons and perhaps most popularly as a herb for cooking. Thyme cream has proven to be an effective remedy for mosquitos. The plant’s Greenlandic name, tupaarnaaq, translates to “refreshing” or “stimulating”.

Downy Birch

orpik | avaalaqiakulooq

Downy Birch is a deciduous tree in the birch family. In South Greenland, the trees can grow as tall as 10 metres; however, along the Arctic Circle Trail they are likely to be more shrubby. You can tell the difference between the male and female plants by their flowers, which sit closely together on the branches of the male plants, and further apart on the branches of the female plants. The Greenlandic name for Downy Birch translates to “the one with the big/long branches”.