Buried by snow for nine months or more, blasted by freezing winds, clutching at thin volcanic soil- it seems amazing that anything could grow under those conditions. Yet subalpine meadow plants, like this willow (Salix spp.) thrive in that environment. The willow's catkins (flowers), leaves, and new twigs have fuzzy hairs to retain heat and trap moisture. The catkins emerge early in the season along with the new leaves in order to take advantage of as much of the short summer season as possible. Photo taken May 21, 2015, at Paradise. NPS Photo
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