Lapland Rosebay is a tiny, mat-forming arctic-alpine shrub rarely exceeding 6 inches in height, growing in some of the harshest environments in North America — rocky arctic tundra, alpine fellfields, and windswept mountain summits. Despite its diminutive stature, it produces proportionally large, bright purple-pink flowers in early summer that stand out brilliantly against the barren landscape. The small, rust-dotted leaves are highly adapted to resist desiccation and cold. It has a circumpolar distribution and is one of the most northerly-occurring ericaceous shrubs.
Best time to see a Lapland Rosebay
The best time to see a Lapland Rosebay is June, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,285 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Lapland Rosebay? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Lapland Rosebay sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Lapland Rosebay? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Lapland Rosebay is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love plants? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.