Alpine tundra, Murphy Dome, Alaska by Chris Fastie

Nikkor 55-200mm VR AF-S f/4-5....

Near Fairbanks Alaska, climatic conditions above an elevation of 3000 feet limit tree growth, so higher terrain supports treeless tundra vegetation. Near the tor-like outcrops of metasandstone (the Fairbanks Schist), thin soil supports a dry tundra dominated by mountain avens with few shrubs more than a few inches tall. Organic soil has developed away from the outcrops, and a shrub tundra dominated by dwarf birch, blueberry, willow, and Labrador tea covers mile after mile of ridge top. White spruce trees periodically colonize above the limit of continuous forest but the short, harsh growing season slows and distorts their growth. Farther downhill, well-formed trees of Alaska birch, quaking aspen, and white and black spruce dominate most hillslopes.

A panorama taken by a camera lofted by a kite over this location is here: gigapan.org/gigapans/80911/
The plant identifications in my snapshots are made by one who considers taxonomy to be more of a sport than a science. Feel free to challenge my calls.