Vascular Plants of the Truelove Inlet Region, Devon Island

Abstract

Ninety-three species of vascular plants are recorded from a 16 sq. mile coastal lowland on the northern coast of Devon Island, Northwest Territories. The following taxa are apparently new records for Devon Island: Cystopteris fragilis, Woodsia alpina, Equisetum variegatum, Poa alpigena, Carex amblyorhyncha, Draba oblongata, Saxifraga tenuis, Epilobium arcticum, Hippuris vulgaris, Pedicularis lanata, Puccinellia vaginata var. paradoxa. These additions bring the total known flora of Devon Island to 115 species. The Truelove flora is part of the High Arctic biogeographic element of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. However, a distinct element of species of more southerly distribution is present probably due to the moderating influence of the lowland environment.