The tundra only has what would normally be considered a growing season for two months of every year. Despite the almost year-round freezing temperatures, the tundra biome is thriving with a surprising variety of plant life.
What you won’t find on the tundra are trees. After all, that is how it got its name – tundra comes from the Finnish “tunturia” which means treeless land. The winds are harsh here, and most of the plants that grow on the surface of the tundra grow in clusters to form a natural barrier against the wind.
There are over 400 different types of plants that bloom on the tundra, but few plants are associated with year-round growth. One of the issues with plants growing on the tundra is the nature of its soil.
While there is a thick layer of soil beneath the ice, it rarely thaws beyond a few inches. This means that only plants with the shallowest roots can take hold.
The fact that plant life is present, but not always lasting, plays an essential role in sustaining the other life forms that live in this biome. As the plants die and decay, many of the other organisms will use them to nourish themselves during the long winter months.
Here is a list and brief description of the common plants you will find on the tundra 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 isn’t really all about bears, although they have been seen to eat them. The red berries and green leaves attract the owls and birds that come to the tundra.
The plant has uniquely adapted to the tundra by growing very low to the ground. It is not quite a ground cover, as it does have some height. It can have berries on it year-round.
Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum)
The Labrador Tea is a strange little plant with red leaves and what can only be described as hairy legs. The stems of the plant are covered with a fine type of hair-like growth that helps it to conserve heat. It is a low, slow-growing shrub with evergreen leaves that are used to make tea for treating colds.
This attractive, sweet-scented shrub needs only moist, acid soil to show its full brilliance. Along with other advantages, the plant is used in closets to protect against moths. Unusual about this plant is that it is not consumed by any of the animals on the tundra.
Diamond Leaf Willow (Salix planifolia)
The Diamond leaf is a form of willow, but not like the willows that you may be used to. These are not tall willows, but they grow close to the ground. Like the Labrador, they also have a hair-like growth that covers their stems and roots, that help the plant to stay warm.
This plant is also edible and gathered by people and animals because it is rich in calcium and many vitamins. The plant is also very flexible, so it is not found in groupings but grows separately as it can bend to manage the harsh winds.
Arctic Moss (Calliergon giganteum)
Arctic Moss is the most plentiful plant on the tundra, and it is not unlike the moss that grows elsewhere in other biomes. It can grow on the surface, but is primarily an aquatic plant that grows beneath the surface of the water. It does not have root systems but rhizoids.
It is also covered in small leaves that are only one cell in thickness, which makes it easy to sustain itself with the very limited amount of photosynthesis it can glean.
Arctic moss is a mainstay of many of the animals and mammals in the tundra, as it is rich in nutrients and can grow all year long. When it dies, it also becomes an important source of nutrients for other organisms that thrive there. It is also an important food source for birds that pass through the tundra on their migratory paths.
It is a favorite study subject of scientists because it reveals much about the natural evolution of life to protect itself in harsh climates.
Arctic Willow (Salix arctica)
Arctic willow or rock willow is normally found in the North America tundra region, which consists of Northern Canada and Northern Alaska. Arctic willow is 15-20 cm in height, has long trailing branches and grow prostrate, shrub, and carpet.
Caribou Moss or Reindeer moss (Cladonia rangiferina)
Caribou Moss grows in the Arctic and northern regions around the world. They grow on the ground and rocks and can go up to1-4 inches high. It is a representative of the exceptional tundra wildlife.
Though it is a lichen, not a plant, perhaps due to its bizarre beauty, it is actually broadly used in home and outdoor decorations, architectural models, and dish gardens.
They go dormant when there is no light or water. They can grow again after being dormant for a very long time. The stems or stocks of caribou moss are hollow. There are so many uses for such miniature plants, as they are hardy and delicate at the same time.
Tufted Saxifrage (Saxifraga cespitosa)
Tufted Saxifrage grows on thick stems and has several straight flower stems that can go as high as 3-15 cm. Each stem has around 2-8 flowers, and each flower has five white petals. Tufted Saxifrage also has a small fruit that holds many small seeds.
The Tufted Saxifrage grows on the rocky slopes and can be found from Alaska to the Cascade and Olympic Mountains and northwestern Oregon.
Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla)
Pasque Flower is a member of the Ranunculaceae family and can grow 6-8 inches off the ground. On each stem, it has one flower with 5-8 petals—the color of the flower range from lavender to almost white.
Pasque Flower grows on southward-facing slopes and is common throughout the northwestern U.S. up to northern Alaska. It is also the state flower of South Dakota.
There are other plants and flowers that can be found growing on the tundra that will vary according to the season and the location of the tundra’s climate. The main plants listed are considered to be most definitive of the tundra climate.
Variations of these plants are found in different biomes, which also allows scientists to study the spread of plant life via migratory animals as well.
Cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium)
This hardy herbaceous and aquatic sedge is the perfect choice for water gardens or patio water containers, with its even more pleasing views of the white, feathery flowers, bringing fine taste and subtlety into the garden.
Tussock grass (Deschampsia cespitosa)
These perennials are also known as Tufted hairgrass. This low-maintenance ornamental grass is very useful for erosive terrains and heavily damaged environments. It is suitable for borders and containers, providing fine texture and aerial flowers, mesmerizingly stirring on windy days.
Moss campion (Silene acaulis)
The evergreen perennial S. acaulis is a cushion-forming tundra plant. Captivating, tender, star-shaped flowers spread like a pink tufted carpet covering the ground.
It looks exceptionally beautiful when used in rock cracks, containers, or stepping stones.
Purple saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia)
Purple saxifrage, scientifically known as Saxifraga oppositifolia, is a tough little plant that thrives in some of the harshest, coldest environments on Earth. Its name literally means “rock-breaker,” which reflects how it grows in cracks and crevices of rocky ground.
This evergreen perennial forms dense, cushion-like mats that hug the ground, helping it survive strong winds and freezing temperatures. In spring, it produces small but striking flowers in shades of magenta, pale pink, or white, adding a splash of color to otherwise barren landscapes.
Although it is not very easy to find in nurseries, it can be grown successfully in gardens if placed in very dry, well-drained soil. It is especially popular in rock gardens, where it softens the look of stones and adds natural beauty.
Northern redcurrant (Ribes triste)
Northern redcurrant, or Ribes triste, is a hardy flowering shrub that naturally grows in damp, rocky forests and along cliffs. It is valued in landscaping because it provides structure and interest throughout the year.
In spring, it produces small flowers, followed by bright red berries that stand out beautifully against its foliage. These berries are edible and can be used in jams or eaten fresh, though they have a tart flavor.
In autumn, the leaves turn a warm reddish color, making the plant even more attractive. It works well in mixed borders and small urban gardens, where it adds both visual appeal and seasonal variety.
Tundra rose (Potentilla fruticosa)
Tundra rose, known as Potentilla fruticosa, is a highly adaptable and low-maintenance shrub often used in landscaping. It is especially popular because it can handle poor soil, cold climates, and minimal care.
In the wild, it grows as a compact, bushy plant, but cultivated varieties come in many forms and colors. Its flowers can be white, yellow, orange, or pink, and while each bloom is small, they appear in large numbers and last for a long time.
This gives the plant a bright, lively appearance throughout the growing season. Its reliability and long flowering period make it a favorite choice for both public spaces and home gardens.
Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia)
Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia) is a versatile and attractive shrub known for its year-round beauty. In spring, it produces clusters of soft white flowers, followed by sweet, blueberry-like fruits in summer that are often used in jams and desserts.
As autumn arrives, its leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow and red, adding striking seasonal color. Beyond its appearance, this plant is practical too.
Its spreading root system helps prevent soil erosion, especially on slopes or near streams, without becoming invasive. It is very hardy and can thrive in a variety of environments, including rocky areas and hillsides.
Arctic poppy (Papaver radicatum)
Arctic poppy (Papaver radicatum) is a small but remarkable flowering plant that grows in cold, harsh environments. It typically reaches a height of about 10 to 15 cm and produces a single bright yellow flower on each stem.
One unique feature of this plant is that its flower head follows the sun throughout the day, maximizing sunlight exposure. Its cup-shaped petals are specially adapted to trap heat, helping the plant survive in chilly Arctic conditions.
Despite its delicate appearance, the Arctic poppy is well adapted to extreme climates and short growing seasons.
