Trees

The Sierra Nevada subalpine zone refers to a biotic zone below treeline in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California, United States. This subalpine zone is positioned between the upper montane zone (such as red fir forest) at its lower limit, and tree line at its upper limit.

 

The Sierra Nevada subalpine zone occurs between 2,450–3,660 metres (8,000–12,000 ft), and is characterized by an open woodland of several conifer species, including whitebark pine, lodgepole pine, western white pine, mountain hemlock, and Sierra juniper. The vegetation and ecology is determined by the harsh climate, with extensive snow and wind. In addition, soils are thin and nutrient-poor. Due to these harsh conditions, vegetation grows slowly and at low temperatures. (From Wikipedia article – Sierra Nevada Supalpine Zone –https://en.wiki pedia.org/Siera_Nevada_supalpine_zone)

 

                  

8-10 inch needles in bundles of three, tends to grow at 6,000’-9,000’ elevation. 

 

Western White Pine
The western white pine tree grows in the mountains of the western United States and in the Sierra Nevada.  Western white pine is a large tree, growing up to 150-200 feet tall.

 

Lodgepole PIne
Sierra Lodgepole Pine is a dominant conifer species, especially in the Sierra Nevada range. It is characteristically very straight and tall, with a slight twisting of the trunk as it ages, most noticeable on dead, debarked trees. It is also recognizable by its two-needle clusters and small cones compared to other subalpine pine species.