The region above timber line. Grassy slopes (moss and lichens at higher elevations) and tundra vegetation.

The area above treeline.

The portion of land that lies above treeline. Extreme weather conditions make survival impossible for tall trees. If trees do exist, they grow no higher than a few feet high and tend to sprawl across the ground. Scientists call these trees "krummholz." Alpine plants usually have adaptations for minimizing the effects of wind, cold temperatures, short growing seasons, dry conditions and ultraviolet radiation.