Unlike Antarctica, much of the Arctic is free of snow and ice during the summer months. This, along with the long hours of sunlight, allows for much plant growth on the open tundra.

Plants in the high Arctic only have three months to grow (June to August), but during this time, spectacular displays of wildflowers occur.

Many plants have leaves or flowers that are dark colors. This allows the plant to absorb more heat from the sun in the cold Arctic climate.

The tundra is often covered with rocks, and the constant freezing and thawing of the landscape helps to break the rocks into smaller pieces. This provides shelters and anchorages in the harsh environment for the little plants and their seeds.

And Arctic birds and animals also help in the process by distributing seeds. When they eat the brightly colored berries, they carry seeds to other places. If they "deposit" them on fertile and sheltered ground - more plants!