The tundra biome, encompassing Arctic, Alpine, and Antarctic regions, is one of Earth’s harshest environments, characterized by frigid temperatures, short growing seasons (50–60 days in Arctic, up to 180 in Alpine), low precipitation (150–250 mm annually), and permafrost that limits root depth. Despite these challenges, over 1,700 plant species thrive here, primarily low-growing dwarf shrubs, grasses, sedges, mosses, lichens, and flowering perennials, adapted to cold, wind, and nutrient-poor soils.
These plants exhibit remarkable adaptations to maximize survival in extreme conditions. Small, hairy, or waxy leaves minimize water loss and trap warmth, while many retain evergreen foliage for year-round photosynthesis. Rapid blooming during brief summers ensures reproduction, often through self-pollination or wind-dispersed seeds, as pollinators are sparse. Some species fix nitrogen to enrich poor soils, supporting their own growth and neighboring flora.
Ecologically, tundra plants play vital roles in stabilizing fragile soils, preventing erosion in windy, barren landscapes. They provide critical food and shelter for wildlife, from herbivores grazing on foliage to insects relying on nectar. Their slow growth and decomposition contribute to carbon storage, particularly in peat-forming species, making them key players in climate regulation despite low biodiversity compared to other biomes.
Tundra plants face growing threats from climate change, which thaws permafrost and alters moisture availability, shifting species ranges and inviting competition from non-native plants. Human activities, such as mining and off-road travel, further disrupt their habitats. Conservation efforts, including protected areas and restoration projects, are essential to preserve these resilient species and their delicate ecosystems for future generations.
General Characteristics and Adaptations
- Growth Forms: Tundra plants are low-growing (e.g., Arctic Willow, Moss Campion) to avoid wind and retain heat, often forming cushions or mats. Shallow roots (96% in top 12 inches of soil) navigate permafrost.
- Leaf Adaptations: Small, waxy, or hairy leaves (e.g., Bearberry, Labrador Tea) reduce water loss and trap heat. Evergreen species (e.g., Mountain Cranberry) persist year-round.
- Reproductive Strategies: Rapid blooming (e.g., Arctic Poppy) and self-pollination (e.g., Tufted Saxifrage) maximize short seasons. Wind-dispersed seeds (e.g., Cottongrass) spread widely.
- Nutrient Strategies: Nitrogen-fixing (e.g., Arctic Lupine, Mountain Avens) enriches poor soils. Slow growth and nutrient storage (e.g., Arctic Moss) conserve resources.
- Climate Resilience: Antifreeze proteins (e.g., Mountain Cranberry), regrowth after drying (e.g., lichens), and snow insulation protect against extreme cold.
Ecological and Cultural Significance
- Ecosystem Roles: Plants stabilize soils (e.g., Alpine Foxtail), provide food (e.g., Cloudberry, Arctic Blueberry), and support pollinators (e.g., Purple Saxifrage). Mosses and lichens conserve moisture, forming the tundra’s base flora.
- Cultural Uses: Indigenous groups use Arctic Willow for medicine, Cottongrass for wicks, and Labrador Tea for colds. Cloudberries are a Nordic delicacy; Eightpetal Mountain Avens is Iceland’s symbol.
- Biodiversity: With 1,700 species, tundra flora supports wildlife like caribou, birds, and insects, despite low diversity compared to other biomes.
Conservation and Threats
- Threats: Climate change thaws permafrost, altering water availability and shifting ranges (e.g., Moss Campion decline risk). Overgrazing (e.g., Alpine Foxtail) and human disturbance (e.g., off-road vehicles) degrade habitats.
- Conservation: Protected areas (e.g., Wrangell-St. Elias for Moss Campion), monitoring (e.g., Arctic Lupine studies), and the Antarctic Treaty safeguard flora. Restoration focuses on soil stabilization.
- Status: Most species are stable (e.g., Cottongrass, Reindeer Lichen), but localized threats require vigilance, especially in warming Arctic regions.
Plants That Grow In Tundra
Arctic Willow (Salix arctica)
- Native Area: Arctic regions of North America (Canada, Alaska) and Greenland, up to 83°N, the northernmost plant known.
- Characteristics: Dwarf shrub, 5–20 cm tall, with long, trailing branches and oval leaves with pointed tips. Produces catkins (yellow for males, red for females) in summer.
- Adaptations: Grows prostrate to avoid harsh winds, with shallow roots to navigate permafrost. Hairy leaves trap heat; slow growth (some plants over 200 years old) conserves resources.
- Ecological Role: Stabilizes soil; leaves and catkins are food for muskox and Arctic hares. Used by Inuit for medicinal tea or chewed for sore throats.
Arctic Moss (Calliergon giganteum)
- Native Area: Arctic tundra, found in lake bottoms and bogs across Canada, Alaska, and Siberia.
- Characteristics: Aquatic moss, forming dense clusters with tiny rootlets. Grows 0.4 inches annually, with small, single-cell-thick leaves.
- Adaptations: Stores nutrients for spring growth, survives low light, and regrows after drying out. Attaches to water, not soil, bypassing permafrost.
- Ecological Role: Nutrient-rich food for tundra animals; decomposes to enrich soil. Key for studying climate adaptation due to slow growth.
Arctic Poppy (Papaver radicatum)
- Native Area: North American Arctic, from Alaska to northern New Mexico along the Rocky Mountains.
- Characteristics: Perennial, 10–30 cm tall, with cup-shaped, yellow or white flowers and hairy stems/leaves.
- Adaptations: Cupped flowers track the sun (heliotropism) to maximize warmth and attract pollinators. Hairy coating insulates against cold; shallow roots suit permafrost.
- Ecological Role: Early bloomer, providing nectar for insects. Toxic, but used sparingly by Indigenous groups for medicinal oil.
Moss Campion (Silene acaulis)
- Native Area: Arctic and Alpine tundra in North America, Europe, and Asia, including Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (Alaska).
- Characteristics: Cushion-forming perennial, 5–10 cm tall, with pink, star-shaped flowers and tiny evergreen leaves.
- Adaptations: Dense, mat-like growth retains heat and reduces wind exposure. Long-lived (some over 300 years), with slow growth to conserve energy.
- Ecological Role: Covers rocky slopes, stabilizing soil. Nectar supports pollinators; studied for climate change impacts due to longevity.
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
- Native Area: Arctic and Alpine tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia, including boreal forests.
- Characteristics: Evergreen dwarf shrub, 5–20 cm tall, with leathery leaves and red berries. Stems have peeling bark and fine hairs.
- Adaptations: Low growth and waxy leaves minimize water loss. Tolerates sandy, poor soils and cold via snow insulation.
- Ecological Role: Berries feed bears, birds, and mammals; leaves used in traditional medicine for urinary issues. Soil stabilizer in rocky areas.
Cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum)
- Native Area: Global tundra and subarctic regions, including peat bogs in North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Characteristics: Sedge, 10–30 cm tall, with fluffy, cotton-like seed heads and grass-like leaves.
- Adaptations: Wind-dispersed seeds use hairy fluff for insulation. Rhizomes store nutrients for rapid post-snowmelt growth.
- Ecological Role: Used by Inuit for wicks, bedding, and paper. Seeds feed caribou; stabilizes boggy soils.
Mountain Cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea)
- Native Area: Arctic and boreal regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, including Greenland.
- Characteristics: Low shrub, 10–20 cm tall, with small, evergreen leaves and tart red berries.
- Adaptations: Antifreeze proteins protect against freezing; low growth reduces wind exposure. Shallow roots suit permafrost; berries persist through winter.
- Ecological Role: Berries are a key food for wildlife and humans; stabilizes soil in nutrient-poor sites.
Purple Saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia)
- Native Area: Arctic and Alpine tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia, on rocky slopes.
- Characteristics: Cushion-forming perennial, 3–10 cm tall, with vibrant purple or pink flowers and small, opposite leaves.
- Adaptations: Dense growth traps heat; early blooming maximizes short seasons. Grows in rocky crevices to avoid wind.
- Ecological Role: Nectar for early pollinators; bright flowers enhance tundra aesthetics. Used in rock gardens.
Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum)
- Native Area: North American Arctic and boreal forests, from Greenland to Alaska.
- Characteristics: Evergreen shrub, 30–90 cm tall, with narrow, leathery leaves (hairy underside) and white flower clusters.
- Adaptations: Hairy leaves reduce water loss and insulate against cold. Dense growth protects from wind; evergreen leaves persist year-round.
- Ecological Role: Leaves used for herbal tea to treat colds; supports pollinators. Grows in acidic, wet soils.
Alpine Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis alpestris)
- Native Area: Alpine tundra in North America (Alaska), Europe, and Asia, including the Alps and Himalayas.
- Characteristics: Perennial, 10–30 cm tall, with bright blue flowers and yellow centers on hairy stems.
- Adaptations: Compact growth resists wind; hairy stems/leaves trap heat. Thrives in rocky, well-drained soils.
- Ecological Role: Alaska’s state flower; attracts pollinators. Ornamental in gardens, enhancing tundra biodiversity.
Tundra Rose (Potentilla fruticosa)
- Native Area: Arctic and Alpine tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia, including Canada and the Alps.
- Characteristics: Dwarf shrub, 20–100 cm tall, with yellow, white, or pink flowers and pinnate leaves.
- Adaptations: Low growth and hairy leaves protect against wind and cold. Rhizomes stabilize soil and resist drought.
- Ecological Role: Ornamental in landscaping; nectar for pollinators. Erosion control in rocky areas.
Eightpetal Mountain Avens (Dryas octopetala)
- Native Area: Arctic and Alpine tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia; national flower of Iceland.
- Characteristics: Mat-forming perennial, 5–20 cm tall, with white, eight-petaled flowers and leathery leaves.
- Adaptations: Cushion growth retains heat; nitrogen-fixing roots enrich soil. Early bloomer maximizes sunlight.
- Ecological Role: Soil stabilizer; supports pollinators. Used for herbal tea in some cultures.
Reindeer Lichen (Cladonia rangiferina)
- Native Area: Arctic and subarctic tundra worldwide, including Canada, Alaska, and Siberia.
- Characteristics: Lichen (fungus-algae symbiosis), 5–10 cm tall, with pale, branching, moss-like structure.
- Adaptations: Grows without soil, absorbing moisture from air. Slow-growing, survives extreme cold and drought.
- Ecological Role: Primary food for reindeer and caribou; covers ground, conserving moisture. Used in decorative crafts.
Arctic Lupine (Lupinus arcticus)
- Native Area: North American Arctic, from Alaska to British Columbia, in dry, open tundra.
- Characteristics: Perennial, 30–60 cm tall, with purple-blue flower spikes and hairy, palmate leaves.
- Adaptations: Nitrogen-fixing roots enrich soil; hairy leaves trap heat. Rapid growth post-snowmelt.
- Ecological Role: Enhances soil fertility; nectar for bees. Toxic but supports ecosystem nutrient cycling.
Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus)
- Native Area: Arctic tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia, in bogs and wet meadows.
- Characteristics: Low perennial, 10–25 cm tall, with white flowers and orange-yellow, edible berries.
- Adaptations: Creeping growth protects from wind; shallow roots suit wet, acidic soils. Berries store nutrients.
- Ecological Role: Berries feed birds, mammals, and humans; culturally significant in Nordic diets.
Tufted Saxifrage (Saxifraga cespitosa)
- Native Area: Arctic tundra of North America (Lapland, Canada) and Europe, on rocky slopes.
- Characteristics: Cushion-forming perennial, 2–10 cm tall, with white or pink flowers and small, dense leaves.
- Adaptations: Self-pollinating; dense clumps reduce evaporation and wind damage. Grows in rocky crevices.
- Ecological Role: Ground cover; supports early pollinators. Enhances rocky tundra aesthetics.
Alpine Foxtail (Alopecurus magellanicus)
- Native Area: Alpine tundra in both hemispheres, including North America, Europe, and Patagonia.
- Characteristics: Grass, 10–30 cm tall, with foxtail-like inflorescences and rhizomatous stems.
- Adaptations: Rhizomes resist cold; rapid growth post-thaw. Tolerates grazing and disturbed soils.
- Ecological Role: Soil stabilizer in meadows; grazed by herbivores. Vulnerable to overgrazing.
Arctic Blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum)
- Native Area: Arctic and boreal regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, in moist tundra.
- Characteristics: Low shrub, 10–20 cm tall, with small, oval leaves and blue, edible berries.
- Adaptations: Low growth avoids wind; acidic soil tolerance. Berries persist through winter for wildlife.
- Ecological Role: Key food for birds, bears, and humans; supports nutrient cycling in wet soils.
Yellow Marsh Saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus)
- Native Area: Arctic tundra of North America and Europe, in bogs and wet meadows.
- Characteristics: Perennial herb, 5–30 cm tall, with yellow flowers, red stems, and hairy leaves.
- Adaptations: Hairy stems retain heat; prefers wet soils to maximize moisture in short seasons.
- Ecological Role: Nectar for insects; adds color to bogs. Supports wetland ecosystems.
Diamond Leaf Willow (Salix pulchra)
- Native Area: North American Arctic, from Alaska to Yukon, in wet tundra and riverbanks.
- Characteristics: Dwarf shrub, 5–30 cm tall, with diamond-shaped, hairless leaves and catkins.
- Adaptations: Flexible stems withstand wind; hairy roots insulate and store nutrients. Edible young leaves.
- Ecological Role: Food for caribou and humans (rich in calcium); stabilizes riverbanks. Post-fire regrowth pioneer.
Arctic Harebell (Campanula uniflora)
- Native Area: Arctic tundra of North America (Alaska, Canada), Europe (Scandinavia), and Asia (Siberia), at 0–1,500 m in rocky slopes and gravelly heaths.
- Characteristics: Perennial herb, 5–15 cm tall, with solitary blue, bell-shaped flowers and small, oval leaves on slender stems.
- Adaptations: Single flower maximizes pollination efficiency in sparse insect populations; compact growth resists wind. Taproots anchor in shallow, rocky soils.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Nectar for bumblebees; delicate blooms enhance tundra aesthetics. Used in Inuit folklore as a symbol of resilience due to its ability to bloom in harsh conditions.
Snow Pearlwort (Sagina saginoides)
- Native Area: Alpine tundra of North America (Rocky Mountains), Europe (Alps), and Asia (Himalayas), at 1,500–3,500 m in moist, rocky crevices.
- Characteristics: Cushion-forming perennial, 2–10 cm tall, with tiny white flowers and needle-like, green leaves.
- Adaptations: Dense mat traps heat and moisture; small leaves reduce evaporation. Self-pollination ensures reproduction in short seasons.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Stabilizes rocky soils; supports micro-insects. Its pearl-like flowers inspire alpine garden designs in horticulture.
Alpine Meadow-Rue (Thalictrum alpinum)
- Native Area: Arctic and Alpine tundra of North America (Alaska, Canada), Europe, and Asia, at 1,000–3,000 m in wet meadows and stream banks.
- Characteristics: Perennial herb, 10–25 cm tall, with delicate, greenish-yellow flower clusters and compound, fern-like leaves.
- Adaptations: Airy structure minimizes wind resistance; rhizomes store nutrients for rapid post-snowmelt growth. Thrives in moist, permafrost-limited soils.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Nectar for small insects; adds feathery texture to meadows. Used in traditional medicine for fevers in some Arctic communities.
Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum)
- Native Area: Arctic and subarctic tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia, including Greenland, in heaths and bogs up to 1,000 m.
- Characteristics: Evergreen dwarf shrub, 5–20 cm tall, with needle-like leaves and small, black, edible berries.
- Adaptations: Waxy leaves and low growth reduce water loss and wind exposure; berries persist through winter, aiding wildlife. Tolerates acidic, nutrient-poor soils.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Berries feed birds, foxes, and humans; used by Inuit for food and dye. Ground cover prevents erosion.
Arctic Daisy (Chrysanthemum arcticum)
- Native Area: Arctic tundra of North America (Alaska, Canada) and Asia (Siberia), in coastal and inland meadows up to 500 m.
- Characteristics: Perennial herb, 15–30 cm tall, with white or pink, daisy-like flowers and lobed, hairy leaves.
- Adaptations: Hairy leaves insulate against cold; shallow roots exploit surface moisture. Blooms late to attract late-season pollinators.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Nectar for butterflies; brightens tundra landscapes. Ornamental in cold-climate gardens, symbolizing endurance.
Tundra Clover (Trifolium repens var. arcticum)
- Native Area: Arctic tundra of North America (Canada, Alaska) and Europe (Scandinavia), in grassy heaths up to 1,000 m.
- Characteristics: Low-growing perennial, 5–15 cm tall, with white or pink flower heads and trifoliate, green leaves.
- Adaptations: Nitrogen-fixing roots enrich poor soils; creeping stems resist wind and spread vegetatively. Tolerates grazing.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Enhances soil fertility; grazed by herbivores like caribou. Used in Sámi diets for its edible leaves.
Alpine Catchfly (Silene suecica)
- Native Area: Arctic and Alpine tundra of North America (Greenland, Canada), Europe (Scandinavia), and Asia, at 500–2,500 m in rocky slopes.
- Characteristics: Perennial herb, 10–25 cm tall, with bright pink or purple, sticky flowers and narrow, hairy leaves.
- Adaptations: Sticky stems trap insects, deterring herbivores; low growth avoids wind. Rapid flowering exploits short summers.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Nectar for bees; adds vivid color to rocky terrains. Popular in alpine rock gardens.
Arctic Fireweed (Chamaenerion latifolium)
- Native Area: Arctic tundra of North America (Alaska, Canada), Europe, and Asia, in riverbanks and disturbed sites up to 1,500 m.
- Characteristics: Perennial herb, 20–60 cm tall, with pink-purple flower spikes and broad, lance-shaped leaves.
- Adaptations: Rhizomes enable rapid post-fire regrowth; wind-dispersed seeds colonize disturbed areas. Tolerates wet, acidic soils.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Nectar for pollinators; edible shoots used by Inuit for salads. Pioneer species in disturbed tundra.
Tundra Mouse-Ear (Cerastium arcticum)
- Native Area: Arctic tundra of North America (Greenland, Canada) and Europe (Svalbard), in dry, gravelly slopes up to 1,000 m.
- Characteristics: Cushion-forming perennial, 5–15 cm tall, with small white flowers and hairy, oval leaves resembling mouse ears.
- Adaptations: Hairy leaves trap heat and reduce evaporation; dense growth resists wind. Self-pollination ensures seed production.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Stabilizes gravelly soils; supports micro-insects. Its soft appearance inspires tundra-themed gardens.
Alpine Phlox (Phlox condensata)
- Native Area: Alpine tundra of North America, from Alaska to Colorado, at 2,000–4,000 m in rocky, well-drained slopes.
- Characteristics: Mat-forming perennial, 2–10 cm tall, with pink or white, star-shaped flowers and needle-like leaves.
- Adaptations: Dense mats retain heat; small leaves minimize water loss. Thrives in dry, rocky soils with intense sunlight.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Nectar for butterflies; ornamental in rock gardens. Symbolizes tenacity in harsh environments.
Iceland Moss (Cetraria islandica)
- Native Area: Arctic and subarctic tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia, in heaths and rocky outcrops up to 1,500 m.
- Characteristics: Lichen, 5–10 cm tall, with gray-green, leafy, branching structure.
- Adaptations: Absorbs moisture from air, surviving drought and cold. Slow growth (1 mm/year) conserves resources; symbiotic algae provide nutrients.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Food for reindeer; used in Icelandic teas for respiratory issues. Carbon sink in lichen-dominated soils.
Tundra Sedge (Carex bigelowii)
- Native Area: Arctic and Alpine tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia, at 5–2,5000 m in wet meadows, and snowbeds).
- Characteristics: Perennial sedge, 1–30 cm tall, with narrow, grass-like leaves and brown flower spikes.
- Adaptations: Rhizomes store nutrients; tolerates waterlogged soils and grazing. Compact growth resists wind and cold.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Grazed by caribou; stabilizes wet soils. Key in wetland restoration projects.
Arctic Primrose (Primula egaliksensis)
- Native Area: Arctic tundra of North America (Greenland, Canada) and Europe (Scandinavia), in moist, coastal meadows up to 500 m.
- Characteristics: Perennial herb, 5–20 cm tall, with pale yellow or pink flowers and spoon-shaped, wrinkled leaves.
- Adaptations: Basal rosette traps heat; early blooming attracts scarce pollinators. Thrives in wet, permafrost-limited soils.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Nectar for insects; adds delicate beauty to tundra. Used in Greenlandic folklore for its early spring blooms.
Tundra Violet (Viola epipsila)
- Native Area: Arctic tundra of North America (Alaska, Canada) and Europe, in wet bogs and meadows up to 1,000 m.
- Characteristics: Perennial herb, 5–15 cm tall, with purple or blue, heart-shaped flowers and round leaves.
- Adaptations: Low growth avoids wind; cleistogamous flowers (self-pollinating) ensure reproduction. Tolerates waterlogged soils.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Nectar for small insects; edible leaves used sparingly by Indigenous groups. Enhances bog aesthetics.
Alpine Wallflower (Erysimum nivale)
- Native Area: Alpine tundra of North America (Rocky Mountains, Alaska), at 2,000–4,000 m in rocky slopes and screes.
- Characteristics: Perennial herb, 10–30 cm tall, with bright yellow flower clusters and narrow, hairy leaves.
- Adaptations: Hairy leaves insulate against cold; taproots anchor in rocky soils. Rapid blooming exploits short seasons.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Nectar for butterflies; ornamental in alpine gardens. Symbolizes vibrancy in harsh terrains.
Arctic Wormwood (Artemisia borealis)
- Native Area: Arctic tundra of North America (Alaska, Canada) and Asia (Siberia), in dry, gravelly slopes up to 1,500 m.
- Characteristics: Perennial herb, 10–30 cm tall, with silvery, feathery leaves and small, yellow flower heads.
- Adaptations: Silvery hairs reflect sunlight, reducing heat loss; aromatic compounds deter herbivores. Drought-tolerant in dry soils.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Stabilizes gravelly soils; used in Indigenous medicine for skin ailments. Adds texture to tundra flora.
Tundra Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
- Native Area: Arctic and subarctic tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia, in wet, sandy soils up to 1,000 m.
- Characteristics: Perennial, 10–30 cm tall, with jointed, hollow stems and no true leaves, producing spore cones.
- Adaptations: Rhizomes store nutrients; silica-rich stems resist wind and herbivores. Regrows rapidly post-thaw.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Stabilizes wet soils; used by Indigenous groups for polishing tools due to abrasiveness. Supports wetland ecosystems.
Alpine Speedwell (Veronica alpina)
- Native Area: Arctic and Alpine tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia, at 1,000–3,500 m in moist, rocky meadows.
- Characteristics: Perennial herb, 5–20 cm tall, with blue, star-shaped flowers and small, oval leaves.
- Adaptations: Low growth resists wind; hairy stems trap heat. Rapid flowering maximizes pollination in short seasons.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Nectar for bees; ornamental in rock gardens. Enhances meadow biodiversity.
Tundra Bluegrass (Poa arctica)
- Native Area: Arctic tundra of North America (Alaska, Canada) and Europe (Svalbard), in dry heaths and slopes up to 1,500 m.
- Characteristics: Perennial grass, 10–30 cm tall, with narrow leaves and purplish flower spikes.
- Adaptations: Rhizomes ensure regrowth; wind-pollinated for efficiency. Tolerates grazing and poor soils.
- Ecological/Cultural Role: Grazed by herbivores; stabilizes dry soils. Used in revegetation for disturbed tundra sites.
Arctic Chickweed (Stellaria humifusa)
- Native Area: Arctic tundra of North America (Greenland, Canada) and Europe, in wet, coastal sites up to 500 m.
- Characteristics: Low-growing perennial, 2–10 cm tall, with white, star-shaped flowers and small, fleshy leaves.
- Adaptations: Creeping growth protects from wind; succulent leaves store water. Self-pollinating for sparse pollinator environments.
- Ecological/Cultural Role