The waxy leaves grow so compactly and close together that the plant is virtually impenetrable and unaffected by the wind. As a result, diapensia is often found growing in the most extreme sites in the alpine zone. These are the windswept locations that usually do not have a cover of snow in the winter. Being perennial is another adaptation to the alpine environment. A majority of the plants in the alpine zone are perennials because surviving as annuals is unlikely.
Perennials come back season after season, and survive the winters in their roots.
Because seedlings have such difficulty getting established, this perennial habit ensures greater population stability above timberline. As perennials, alpine plants invest a lot of energy into their roots. Where hikers have unfortunately disturbed the meadows, a soil profile can be seen with an amazing network of roots. Dwarf willow is quite rare, and only known to grow on one summit in the Adirondacks. These extensive root systems help the plants to propagate themselves through rhizomes, and also store energy for future growing seasons.