Arctic Tundra Blooms

Here in the Adirondack High Peaks, some of our alpine plants are just finishing blooming. Lapland rosebay, Diapensia and alpine azalea are finally in their fruiting stages, after a long winter and delayed bloom. These species (mixed with sedges and dwarf shrubs) survive on the harsh windward side of the mountain where the snow is swept clean in the winter and vegetation is left mostly exposed. Bigelow's sedge is also currently transitioning to it's fruiting phenophase.

Labrador tea's buds are swelling and Adirondack High Peaks Summit Stewards have just begun to see their tiny flowers bloom. Bog bilberry, related to the blueberry, is almost in full bloom! In tandem with beautiful alpine flowers and sunny days, hikers have started visiting our alpine summits. Be sure to say hello to a Summit Steward on Mt. Marcy, Algonquin Peak, Wright Peak or Cascade Mountain. Furthermore, please do the rock walk above treeline, avoiding alpine plants, soil or gravel. Hope to see you on the Adirondack alpine summits taking photos!

Kayla White
ADK's Summit Steward Coordinator
Adirondack Mountain Club

Posted on June 28, 2019 05:52 PM by chiefsteward