Sandra Angers-Blondin

In the short Arctic summer, the tundra springs to life with a surprising variety of grasses, flowers and shrubs. There is evidence that the tundra is “greening” due to increased plant growth, something that can even be detected by satellites.

In parts of the island, wild flowers bloom and carpet the tundra. This pretty species is Castilleja elegans.

This western Arctic shooting star (Dodecatheon frigidum) is a relatively rare find on the island. It grows in wet, boggy places, and is here covered in morning dew.

The feathery seed filaments of Dryas integrifolia (mountain avens) originally develop tightly twisted, and open up as the seeds are ready to be dispersed and colonise the tundra.