Open areas within the Subalpine Forest (86000) or above treeline with a rich flora of grasses, sedges, rushes, and forbs. Two main types are recognized, (45210) - Wet and (45220) - Dry Subalpine or Alpine Meadow. The Wet meadow type forms low (typically under 0.5m), dense, often matted vegetation. The Dry meadow is often lower (typically under 0.3m) with fairly open vegetation.
SITE FACTORS:
Wet Meadows remain saturated throughout the growing season. Growing season limited by snow. Some meadows appear to be late hydroseres, while others ("Stringer Meadows") are maintained by streams that flow through the meadow. Dry Meadows have no capillary water available during some part of the growing season. Growing season limited by snow. Dry Meadow vegetation may form a "fairy ring" around a Wet Meadow.
DISTRIBUTION:
Common at scattered locations at mid to high elevations in the Klamath Ranges and the Cascade-Sierra. Elevations from 6,000-9,000 feet in the north, 9,000-12,000 feet in the south.
Source: Adapted from Holland, 1986