Flora of the Canadian Arctic
In general, the vegetation of the Canadian Arctic is the tundra and growing season is short. Plants species in the tundra are very limited and their length of the growth is short. They are adapted to the heavy snow and winds. Cotton grass, sedge, dwarf heath, shrubs, mosses and lichens are the most common vegetation in the Canadian Arctic. However, going towards the south, the vegetation changes to birch-lichen woodland to needle-leaf forest. A tree line indicates the separation from the forest and the tundra. Most of the ground is permanently frozen throughout the year called permafrost and there are plants that grow close to the ground to avoid the strong wind and cold temperature. The tundra is cold and dry with low average temperature, a short summer and a long freezing winter.

Three types of ecosystems are contained in the Canadian Arctic: the Arctic Cordillera, Northern Arctic and Southern Arctic; to differentiate where different plants species are located.

The vegetation of the Arctic Cordillera, the most northern polar region, has adapted well to extremely cold and desert-like conditions as well as enduring high winds and lack of soil cover. Because of its harsh climate, high winds and shallow soils, the vegetation of the Northern Arctic is sparse and dwarfed. Although the Southern Arctic experiences long, cold winters and short, cool summers, it is known as the eco-zone that has the most extensive vegetative cover and highest diversity of species.

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FUN FACTS
Another name for cloudberry is "pioneer plant." It quickly colonizes an area following fire or logging; however, the plants don't flower until about seven years after germination.
As the sea freezes, the salt rises to the surface as crystals called ice flowers.
Historically, the leaves of labrador tea were hung in closets to repel moths as well as ghosts.

Figure 1: Map of Canadian Arctic Ecosystems. (Map has been edited from the original.)
Climate
Arctic Cordillera
 Northern Arctic
Southern Arctic

source: Environment Canada http://www.ccea.org/ecozones

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Arctic Cordillera
Southern Arctic
Northern Arctic