Arctic Willow

Salix arctica is a low growing rock willow that is found in the North American tundra. This plant enjoys dry open places or sphagnum bogs. It is known for its long branches that rest on the ground. They will swim in and out of the soil, for protection that it has learned through evolution. They have leaves that are a dark green with a light green bottom and fuzzy hairs that will assist with the frigged cold the Arctic is known for. It will seed like other willows with the fuzzy spike. The Arctic Willow's flowering will only often be around 5 centimeters though. The willow is famous for the pesticide that it creates to keep the Arctic Wooly bear, a caterpillar, away.





References:
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/arctic_willow.htm
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/56046/
http://www.jimteens.com/1/arctic_willow.htm