Arctic Flora of Canada and Alaska

The North American Arctic is the largest, unbroken expanse of tundra on the continent.  The southern limits of the Arctic are defined climatically by an average July temperature of 10°C.  Continuous permafrost restricts the growth of trees beyond the treeline -- the large transition zone between the boreal forest to the south and the treeless tundra to the north -- and the flora is dominated by small plants adapted to a short, cold growing season.  A patchwork of ecosystems defined by substrate and microclimate extend across the north, providing niches for the proliferation of a surprising diversity of vascular plant families and species.

The project is being led by researchers at the Canadian Museum of Nature, and the research team includes scientists from Canada, Alaska and Norway.  The project got started with a two-day meeting in March 2011 at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa. 

^{The arctic tundra south of Minto Inlet, Victoria Island, Northwest Territories (photo: P. Sokoloff)}

^{A stand of felt-leaf willow (Salix alaxensis) in a river delta near the head of Minto Inlet, Victoria Island, Northwest Territories. (photo: P. Sokoloff)}