Tussocks composed of 300-600 individual tillers. They are elevated above ground level. Tundra bogs, muskegs, and pockets of boreal forest. Parent materials of supporting soils include polymictic conglomerate, lithic wacke, siltstone, and shale overlain by frozen glacial till and sand or sandy loam. The superficial surface layer may be a hepatic, moss, or lichen mat.
Soils are well to poorly drained, low in nutrients, and acidic.
Colonizes disturbed sites including burns. Tussock communities are stable for many decades, but are eventually replaced in the absence of disturbance. Flower buds are formed the year prior to flowering. Survives fire because its growing points are insulated by tightly bunched dead and live tillers, stem sheaths, and scales. The elevated position of tussocks increases resistance to ground fire.