Dominated by a dense growth of low-growing, herbaceous perennials and low shrubs. The growing season extends from spring through fall in low elevation, coastal localities, but is limited to summer at high elevations. Most flowering occurs in the first half of the growing season.
SITE FACTORS:
In cold, highly acid, permanently waterlogged soils; low in available nutrients. Peat tends to accumulate without decomposing completely. Occasionally the "soil" is pure peat. Intergrades with Montane (45100) or Subalpine Meadows (45200) in less acid and/or waterlogged soils, with Coastal (82000) or Montane Coniferous Forests (84000) on drier, better-drained soils.
DISTRIBUTION:
Scattered in the North Coast Ranges and Klamath Ranges from Sonoma Co. into Oregon. Scattered in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Ranges from Tulare Co. into Oregon. Elevation between 1,000-6,000 feet (300-1820m) in the north and 5,000-9,000 feet (1515-2730m) in the south.
UPDATE: 10/86
Source: Holland, 1986
Digital Text: NatureBase