Narrow crevices in alpine cliffs are surprising places to find plants. Despite their stark appearance, high alpine rock faces provide great habitat for all sorts of plants. But even when you know to expect them, seeing plants in such conditions is always impressive. I have marveled at boulder-splitting trees oozing from the crack in the rock from which they have eked out a living. Seeing fern species I associate with wet forests growing in boulder fields above the treeline has made clear to me the amazing adaptability of certain species. And of course this rocky landscape is home to so many colorful compact wildflowers that make high altitude hikes so much fun during the brief summer.