The tundra has a very short growing season. Plants can only grow for about two months each year. Even though it stays freezing cold for most of the year, many different kinds of plants still manage to grow there.
One thing you will not see in the tundra is trees. This is actually how it got its name. The word “tundra” comes from a Finnish word, “tunturia,” which means treeless land. The winds in the tundra are very strong, so plants grow close together in clusters. This helps protect them from the harsh wind.
There are more than 400 types of plants that can bloom in the tundra. However, only a few of them grow all year round. One big problem for plants in the tundra is the soil.
Under the ice, there is a thick layer of soil, but it only thaws a few inches deep. Because of this, only plants with very shallow roots can grow there.
Even though plant life is not always permanent, it is still very important for other living things in the tundra. When plants die and decay, they become food for other organisms. This helps many living things survive during the long, cold winter months.
Next is a list and a short description of common tundra plants that are perennials.
Various Tundra Plants
The tundra is a harsh environment with freezing temperatures, strong winds, and very short growing seasons. Still, several plants have adapted in fascinating ways to survive there.
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos)
Bearberry, also called Arctostaphylos, is not really connected to bears, even though bears have been seen eating its berries. This plant has red berries and green leaves that attract owls and other birds in the tundra.
Bearberry is specially adapted to live in the tundra by growing very close to the ground. It is not exactly a ground cover, but it still stays low with a little height. One interesting thing about this plant is that it can have berries on it all year round.
Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum)
Labrador Tea, also known as Rhododendron groenlandicum, is a small and unusual plant. It has red leaves and stems that look like they have tiny hairs on them. These hair-like coverings help the plant keep heat, which is important in the cold tundra environment.
This plant is a low-growing shrub that grows slowly and has evergreen leaves. People use its leaves to make tea that helps treat colds. Labrador Tea smells sweet and looks attractive. It grows best in moist and acidic soil.
It also has some special uses. For example, people place it in closets to keep moths away. Another interesting fact is that no animals in the tundra eat this plant.
Diamond Leaf Willow (Salix planifolia)
Diamond Leaf Willow, also called Salix planifolia, is a type of willow plant, but it is not like the tall willow trees people usually think of. Instead, it grows low to the ground. Like another tundra plant called Labrador tea, it has tiny hair-like growth on its stems and roots. These hairs help keep the plant warm in very cold conditions.
This plant can be eaten, and both people and animals collect it because it has a lot of calcium and vitamins. It is also very flexible, which helps it survive strong winds. Because it bends easily, it usually grows alone rather than in groups.
Arctic Moss (Calliergon giganteum)
Arctic Moss, known as Calliergon giganteum, is the most common plant found in the tundra. It is similar to moss found in other places, but it mostly grows underwater instead of on land, although it can grow on the surface too. It does not have true roots. Instead, it has rhizoids, which are small structures that help it stay in place.
The moss has very tiny leaves that are only one cell thick. This helps it survive with very little sunlight for photosynthesis. Arctic moss is an important food source for many tundra animals and mammals because it is rich in nutrients and can grow throughout the year.
When it dies, it adds nutrients back into the soil, helping other living things grow. It is also eaten by birds that travel through the tundra during migration.
Scientists like to study Arctic moss because it helps them understand how living things adapt and survive in extremely cold and harsh environments.
Arctic Willow (Salix arctica)
Arctic willow, also called rock willow, is usually found in the tundra region of North America, especially in northern Canada and northern Alaska. This plant is very small, only about 15 to 20 cm tall.
It has long branches that spread along the ground instead of growing upright. Because of this, it looks like a low, carpet-like shrub.
Caribou Moss or Reindeer moss (Cladonia rangiferina)
Caribou moss, also known as reindeer moss and scientifically called Cladonia rangiferina, grows in the Arctic and other northern parts of the world. It grows on the ground and on rocks, and its height is usually about 1 to 4 inches.
It is an important example of tundra wildlife. Even though it looks like a plant, it is actually a lichen. Because it looks unique and beautiful, people use it in home decoration, outdoor decoration, architectural models, and dish gardens.
When there is no light or water, it goes into a resting state called dormancy. It can stay like this for a very long time and start growing again later. Its stems, or stocks, are hollow. These small plants are both strong and delicate, which makes them useful in many ways.
Tufted Saxifrage (Saxifraga cespitosa)
Tufted saxifrage, with the scientific name Saxifraga cespitosa, grows on thick stems. It has several straight flower stems that can grow about 3 to 15 cm tall. Each stem has around 2 to 8 flowers, and every flower has five white petals.
It also produces a small fruit that contains many tiny seeds. This plant grows on rocky slopes and can be found from Alaska to the Cascade Mountains, the Olympic Mountains, and northwestern Oregon.
Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla)
Pasque flower, which belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, grows about 6 to 8 inches tall. Each stem has one flower with 5 to 8 petals. The flower color can range from light purple to almost white.
It grows on slopes that face south and is commonly found in the northwestern United States up to northern Alaska. It is also the state flower of South Dakota.
There are many other plants and flowers that grow in the tundra. The types of plants can change depending on the season and the specific climate of the area. The plants mentioned here are some of the most important ones that represent the tundra environment.
Different versions of these plants can also be found in other biomes. This helps scientists study how plant life spreads, especially with the help of animals that move from one place to another.
Cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium)
This tough, herb-like plant that grows in water is a type of sedge. It is a great choice for water gardens or even for growing in water containers on patios. It looks especially beautiful because of its soft, white, feathery flowers, which add a calm and elegant feel to the garden.
Tussock grass (Deschampsia cespitosa)
Tussock grass, also called Deschampsia cespitosa or tufted hairgrass, is a perennial plant. This means it grows back every year. It is easy to take care of and is often used in places where the land is damaged or soil is washing away.
It works well in garden borders and containers. It has a fine texture and light, airy flowers that move beautifully when the wind blows.
Moss campion (Silene acaulis)
Moss campion, known scientifically as Silene acaulis, is an evergreen perennial plant. It grows in a cushion-like shape and is usually found in cold tundra regions. It has small, soft, star-shaped flowers that spread out like a pink carpet on the ground.
It looks very pretty when planted in cracks between rocks, in containers, or between stepping stones.
Purple saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia)
Purple saxifrage, or Saxifraga oppositifolia, is a very strong plant that can grow in some of the coldest and toughest places on Earth. Its name means rock breaker because it grows in cracks and gaps in rocks.
This evergreen plant forms dense, cushion-like mats that stay close to the ground, helping it survive strong winds and freezing weather. In spring, it blooms with small but bright flowers in magenta, light pink, or white, adding color to otherwise empty areas.
It is not easy to find in plant nurseries, but it can still be grown in gardens if planted in very dry soil that drains water well. It is especially liked in rock gardens because it makes stones look softer and more natural.
Northern redcurrant (Ribes triste)
Northern redcurrant, also called Ribes triste, is a strong flowering shrub that can grow in tough places like damp, rocky forests and even along cliffs. People like to use it in gardens because it looks interesting all year round.
In spring, the plant grows small flowers. After that, it produces bright red berries that look very eye-catching against its leaves. These berries can be eaten. You can use them to make jam or eat them fresh, but they taste quite sour.
In autumn, the leaves change color and turn a warm reddish shade. This makes the plant even more beautiful. It is a good choice for mixed garden borders and small city gardens because it adds both beauty and variety in different seasons.
Tundra rose (Potentilla fruticosa)
Tundra rose, also known as Potentilla fruticosa, is another shrub that is very easy to grow and take care of. It is popular in landscaping because it can survive in poor soil and cold weather, and does not need much attention.
In nature, it grows as a small, bushy plant. However, garden varieties come in many shapes and colors. Its flowers can be white, yellow, orange, or pink. Each flower is small, but many flowers bloom at the same time and stay for a long period.
Because of this, the plant looks bright and full of life during the growing season. It is very reliable and blooms for a long time, which is why it is often used in public places and home gardens.
Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia)
Saskatoon berry, also called Amelanchier alnifolia, is a very useful and beautiful shrub that looks nice throughout the year. In spring, it grows clusters of soft white flowers. In summer, it produces sweet fruits that look like blueberries and are often used to make jams and desserts.
When autumn comes, its leaves change color to bright yellow and red, making it stand out.
This plant is not just pretty; it is also useful. Its roots spread out and help stop soil from washing away, especially on slopes or near streams, and it does this without spreading too much. It is a strong plant that can grow in many places, including rocky land and hillsides.
Arctic poppy (Papaver radicatum)
Arctic poppy, also known as Papaver radicatum, is a small but amazing plant that grows in very cold and tough environments. It usually grows only about 10 to 15 cm tall and has one bright yellow flower on each stem.
One special thing about this plant is that its flowers move during the day to follow the sun, so it can get as much sunlight as possible. Its cup-shaped petals help trap heat, which helps the plant stay warm in cold Arctic weather.
Even though it looks delicate, the Arctic poppy is very strong and can survive in extreme cold and short growing seasons.
