Plants

The Parc national des Pingualuit lies approximately 350 km north of the treeline, in a zone of continuous permafrost. The arctic tundra is characterized by a total absence of trees and by discontinuous vegetation.

While arctic flora is not overly diversified, there is more abundance than first meets the eye. Lichen, moss and sphagnum are the dominant species in the park. Herbaceous plants and a few rare shrubs are next in importance. Exposed to strong winds, intense cold and dehydration, the park’s plant life has adapted in order to survive: plants are small and short hairs provide cover on stems and leaves.

In terms of vegetation, the Puvirnituq River corridor is a distinct zone of the park due to the richness of the vegetation that grows in its basic, rocky soil. Several rare plants may be found in the area. Among these, four species appear on the list of plants likely to be designated as threatened or vulnerable in Québec.

To ensure the protection of the park’s fragile vegetation and rare plants, travel in a few sectors is restricted and care must be taken to avoid unnecessary trampling throughout the entire park.

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Lichen

Cotton grass