Eskimo Potato are short to medium, somewhat hairy perennials in the Hedysarum family. They are also known as Alpine Sweetvech. Eskimo potato can be found almost everywhere here in South central Alaska. They are very prevalent near most of the scenic turnouts on the Seward Highway. Eskimo Potato gets it's name from the slightly sweet, carrot-like flavored root. The root was an important food source for native cultures who ate them raw, boiled or roasted. It is important to note that while the root is edible, the seeds contain a poisonous alkaloid. It is believed that Chris McCandless' death was due partially to eating the seeds of the Eskimo Potato plant. The book and subsequent movie Into the Wild is based on the story of Chris McCandless, who survived for around 112 days in the Alaskan wilderness. This picture of Eskimo Potato was taken near mile 96 of the Seward Highway.