Nine of the native annuals are found at the Takhini Salt Flats and three of these are not known from any other location in Yukon. These are Atriplex alaskensis, Atriplex subspicata and Aster brachyactis. Salicornia europaea is known from only one other location. The Takhini Salt Flats occupies approximately 640 hectares including three small lakes, one of which nearly dries up completely each year. The alkaline conditions are formed when artesian springs bring dissolved minerals to the surface, infusing the area with minerals such as sodium sulfates.
Permafrost prevents the salts from being washed deeply into the soil.
As summer progresses, evaporation draws more crystals to the surface. Soon large crystals are formed on the surface, unlike the white crust of other alkaline soils in the region. Geologists, soil scientists, entomologists and botanists have all remarked about the uniqueness of the area. Salt lakes can be good indicators of climate change, especially those that do not have inlets and outlets. The sediments and the invertebrates within them are sensitive to changes in salinity.