Very similar to Sierran Mixed Conifer Forest (84230), but not quite so tall (to 60m). The understory is open, primarily of scattered Montane Chaparral (37500) and small trees, lacking the mesophytic components of the Sierran Mixed Conifer Forest. Growth is most active in early and midsummer, about the same time as in Jeffrey Pine Forest (85100) and a little later than in Sierran Mixed Conifer Forest.
SITE FACTORS:
Similar to and probably the higher elevation equivalent of Sierran Mixed Conifer Forest (84230). Similar to Jeffrey Pine Forest (85100) but moister. On well-drained slopes, usually avoiding the driest and moistest sites. Typically occurs above Sierran Mixed Conifer Forest and intergrades broadly with Jeffrey Pine Forest on dry slopes and ridges, with Upper Montane Fir Forest (85300) on moist, north-facing slopes and with Lodgepole Pine Forest (86100) in cold, wet sites and stream valleys. Replaced at its upper limit by Subalpine Coniferous Forest (86000), usually Lodgepole Pine Forest.
DISTRIBUTION:
Abundant from Mt. Lassen southward along the west side of the Sierra Nevada to Tulare Co. More scattered on the east side of the Sierra Nevada from Lake Tahoe to the Mt. Whitney region and in the higher portions of the North Coast Ranges and Klamath Mtns. Occurs with fewer tree species in the southern Sierra Nevada in Kern Co., and the higher portions of the Tehachapi Mtns., the Mt. Pinos region, the eastern San Gabriel Mtns., San Bernardino Mtns., and San Jacinto Mtns. Elevation usually 6,000-8,000 feet (1800-2420m) in the north and 7,000-9,000 feet (2100-2700m) in the south.
UPDATE: 10/86
Source: Holland, 1986
Digital Text: NatureBase