| Summary: | Global temperatures are estimated to have risen ~1.1°C since the mid to late 19th century and are accelerated by anthropogenic carbon emissions. Arctic temperatures have already increased by nearly four times the world average. Temperature, among other factors, has a significant effect on life-cycle events in flora and fauna. With temperatures increasing, Arctic plants are expected to shift their active periods accordingly, with earlier and shorter flowering periods. The strength of this effect is dependent on the plasticity and/or genetic response of the species, and certain populations may have greater potential to respond to rapidly changing abiotic conditions. Understanding the responses of flora to climate change is crucial to better predict survival potential of populations and species. In this study, I used nearly 120 years of herbarium records and collection data to find flowering shifts in the Arctic-alpine plant Oxyria digyna. Specimens were grouped into “Arctic Tundra,” “Boreal Arctic,” and “Alpine” groups and a linear regression showed an advance of flowering over time in relation to summer temperature increase in all groups except the Arctic Tundra. Earlier flowering time of Boreal Arctic O. digyna was significantly correlated to mean summer temperature and June temperature increases. While not significant, flowering time of Arctic tundra and alpine specimens showed more sensitivity to June temperature change than change in mean summer temperature. Photoperiod or other environmental cues, like precipitation, may be more important for flowering induction.
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