Arctic Willow
Salix arctica
APPEARANCE
This willow grows up to 20 centimetres tall. It has oval-shaped pointed leaves that are covered in long hairs. It has very shallow roots because it often lives where the ground is permanently frozen, called “permafrost”. In the spring, it has bright pink flowers.
RANGE & HABITAT
Alpine willow is commonly found in northern B.C., the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Alaska. It is adapted to grow in open, dry areas.
RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIPS
Arctic willow creates important nesting and protection habitat for sparrows and other small birds. Additionally, the tree has beautiful bright pink flowers that turn into fluffy seeds for the birds to eat. These seeds and leaves are a good source of protein. In return, the birds can help spread the seeds of the alpine willow, and these seeds are also spread through the arctic wind. Inuit harvest the fluffy seeds to make a wick for a lamp that uses animal fat or blubber to burn. These are called quilliq.
This is a slow-growing plant that can survive for long periods of time. It has a persistent nature to grow wherever it can, because of this it is often seen as a weed in people’s yards. However, it is increasingly important for arctic river beds. As permafrost continues to thaw due to human-influenced climate change, these willows hold banks together and prevent the rivers from meandering and drying out.
This is a slow-growing plant that can survive for long periods of time. It has a persistent nature to grow wherever it can, because of this it is often seen as a weed in people’s yards. However, it is increasingly important for arctic river beds. As permafrost continues to thaw due to human-influenced climate change, these willows hold banks together and prevent the rivers from meandering and drying out.
MORE INFORMATION
If you belong to a First Nation with a story or piece of information not represented here and you would like to share more about this species, please email us at education@sierraclub.bc.ca.
Photo Credit
Canva
