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Plants living in cold deserts have to survive very harsh conditions. For much of the year the ground is very hard and frozen. The growing season is very short and there are very few insects to pollinate the plants.

Very often plants do not produce seed. Instead of growing from seed, new plants develop from a piece of plant that has broken off the main plant. This may be a root or a piece of stem or a bud.

Plants that grow in cold deserts often have very short stems and grow huddled against the ground. This gives some protection against freezing winds.

Some plants also have furry leaves and stems. Many plants produce berries that are spread by animals.