Similar to Sierran Mixed Conifer Forest (84230) but denser, with the narrow crowns often overlapping and casting a deep shade. Typically consists of nearly pure stands of Abies concolor, which grows to about 70m tall. The understory is very sparse, with occasional seedlings of Abies concolor, and with an abundance of downed branches and needle litter. The growing season is slightly later than in the Westside Ponderosa Pine Forest (84210) or Sierran Mixed Conifer Forest (84230), concentrated in early and midsummer.
SITE FACTORS:
Very similar to Sierran Mixed Conifer Forest (84230), but usually on somewhat cooler, moister sites; typically on north-facing slopes. Probably the coolest, moistest non-riparian habitat within the Sierran Lower Montane Conifer Forest. Apparently persists without fires, and may expand at the expense of Sierran Mixed Conifer Forest in the absence of fire. Intergrades with and often surrounded by Sierran Mixed Conifer Forest on drier soils. At its upper limits, often intergrades broadly with Red Fir Forest (85310). Vast acreages of Sierran White Fir Forest on lands logged, burned, or mined for gold in the last century.
DISTRIBUTION:
Similar to Sierran Mixed Conifer Forest (84320) but mostly absent east of the Sierra-Cascade crest and from southern California. Replaced in the latter locality by Sierran Mixed Conifer Forest or by Southern California White Fir Forest (85320). Elevation about 4,000-6,000 feet (1200-1800)m in Tulare and Kern Counties, averaging slightly higher in elevation than Sierran Mixed Conifer Forest.
UPDATE: 10/86
Source: Holland, 1986
Digital Text: NatureBase