shrubby tundra

ecosystem

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Shrubby tundra is a type of tundra ecosystem found in Arctic and alpine regions. These areas are characterized by low temperatures, short growing seasons, and permafrost. Despite the harsh conditions, a variety of plants have adapted to survive.

In shrubby tundra, dwarf shrubs like willows, birches, and junipers are common, especially in protected areas. These woody plants often grow low to the ground to shield themselves from the wind and cold. Other vegetation includes mosses, lichens, sedges, and grasses.

The plant life in shrubby tundra is crucial for the survival of local wildlife, providing a food source. Microbes and fungi also play a vital role in nutrient cycling and the carbon cycle within this unique biome.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Russia
Tundra
…areas of mosses and lichens; shrubby tundra, with mosses, lichens, herbaceous plants, dwarf Arctic birch, and shrub willow; and wooded tundra, with more extensive areas of stunted birch, larch, and spruce. There are considerable stretches of sphagnum bog. Apart from reindeer, which are herded by the indigenous population, the main…
Read More
…areas of mosses and lichens; shrubby tundra, with mosses, lichens, herbaceous plants, dwarf Arctic birch, and shrub willow; and wooded tundra, with more extensive areas of stunted birch, larch, and spruce. There are considerable stretches of sphagnum bog. Apart from reindeer, which are herded by the indigenous population, the main…
Read More