bearberry willow
noun
Meaning
A prostrate, mat-forming shrub native to Arctic and alpine regions, characterized by its small, leathery leaves and ability to survive in extremely cold environments.
Examples
- The bearberry willow is a vital food source for caribou and ptarmigan in the northern wilderness.
- Botanists studying the bearberry willow noted its remarkable adaptation to the permafrost conditions.
Synonyms: Salix uva-ursi