What Kind of Vegetation is in a Tundra?
Arctic Moss
The arctic moss grows under water in the lake beds in tundras. Their leaves are so small that they are rarely ever larger than one cell. They don't have roots; instead, they have rhizoids, which act as small rootlets. To reproduce, arctic moss must send out water-reliant spores or growing shoots. The arctic moss is very slow at growing. It only grows about a centimeter a year. It never gets too big, though, because it only lives for about seven to nine years. Instead of trying to grow in the winter, it will store nutrients to make for a quick grow during the summer. To avoid the strong winds, arctic moss grows close to the ground. Because it grows so close to the ground, it warms the soil allowing more plants to grow. This is very helpful for life on tundras.
Arctic Willow
The arctic willow plant is also known as the rock willow plant. It is about 15 to 20 centimeters tall. Many of them have branches that stretch out about them. The leaves have points at the end and a stalk connecting them to the plant. Sometimes the leaves can grow to up to 30 centimeters longer than the actual plant. The leaves are also covered in soft hairs. The flowers of the arctic willow are unisexual and lack pedals. Arctic willow doesn't produce any fruit, but it does produce seeds. Because of the frozen ground and harsh winters, the arctic will has very short roots and time period to grow.
Bearberry
A bearberry is like a small evergreen tree. It grows to be about 2 to 8 inches tall. There are up to one inch long leaves on the stems, accompanied by five-pedaled, light-pink flowers. The small red fruit is often fed on by bears in the area, giving it its name. It grows nicely in tundras because it is often found in areas with dry soil or sand.
Caribou Moss
Caribou moss is found mostly in the northern tundras. They are also usually found on rocks and sometimes on the ground in these tundras. This lichen (not moss) actually has small stems that are hollow with a sponge-like figure on top. It can grow to reach about 1-4 inches tall. Because lichens can stay alive for a long time without any water, caribou moss can survive pretty easily in tundras. When there is less water for them, they quickly go dormant until there is water available. Animals, like caribou, often eat this plant when there is less vegetation for them around during the coldest parts of winter.
Diamond-leaf Willow
Diamond-leaf willow leaves are thin and very soft. Some of them, though, have sharp edges. These leaves grow on the small branches in this willow. They blend easily into their surroundings in tundras. Like many plants in tundras, diamond-leaf willows only grow to be a few inches tall, but they expand over the ground and cover it like a carpet. There are small fuzzy flowers that may be mistaken for 1-inch long caterpillars. Sometimes the leaves on these types of willows can be put in tea after being dried. It is very rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and calcium, making it very healthy. Because the branches are so flexible, they can be used to make baskets very easily.