These open, tall, park-like forests dominated by Pinus ponderosa may reach 200 feet. Other conifers or hardwoods may be present in small amounts. Frequent ground fires fueled by abundant litter accumulations keep the understory fairly open in this climax type. Two types are recognized: (84131) - Upland Coast Range Ponderosa Pine Forest and (84132) -Maritime Coast Range Ponderosa Pine Forest. The maritime type can also occur as a denser stand of P. ponderosa together with Quercus agrifolia and (sometimes) P. attenuata, with an understory of sometimes impenetrable shrubs. Several localized species are restricted to the maritime forest type.
SITE FACTORS:
Typically on well-drained, relatively dry soils of slopes and ridges. Best developed on gently sloping ridges and uplands. Very similar to Sierran "Westside" Ponderosa Pine Forest (84210) but probably moister and with milder temperatures. Doubtfully distinct from and intergrading with this forest in higher, drier localities of the Klamath Mtns. and North Coast Ranges. Also intergrades with Mixed Evergreen Forest (81100) or Douglas Fir Forest (82400) in low-elevation, moist sites, with Oak Woodlands (71000) in low-elevation, dry sites and with Coast Range Mixed Conifer Forest (84110) in high-elevation, moist sites. The maritime type is restricted to sterile marine sand deposits within the summer coastal fog incursion zone. Fire is implicated in maintaining the open quality of the understory.
DISTRIBUTION:
Klamath Mountains and inner North Coast Ranges south to northwestern Napa Co. Hamilton Range, Santa Clara Co. Common on the higher ridges of the Santa Lucia Mtns. in Monterey and northernmost San Luis Obispo Co. Elevation from 1,500-3,500 feet (460-1360m) in the north and from 2,500-4,500 feet (760-1520m) in the south. The Maritime type is narrowly restricted to Santa Margarita Formation exposures in coastal Santa Cruz County (Scotts Valley-Ben Lomond and Bonny Doon areas).
Source: Adapted from Holland, 1986