The Arctic Willow is a small shrub that is well adapted to grow in harsh arctic conditions. In fact, it is the only woody plant in the world that can grow well above the tree line. On the north slopes of Alaska, Caribou and Muskox graze on Arctic Willows, which are a good source of nutrition in these barren landscapes.

Arctic Willows have male and female plants, differentiated by the color of the catkins (flower clusters). Male catkins are yellow, while female catkins are red.

Due to the extreme conditions of their habitat, Arctic Willows grow very slowly.