Very similar to Jeffrey Pine-Fir Forest (85210) but with Pinus jeffreyi replaced entirely or partly by Pinus washoensis. Understory shrubs include more Great Basin components than in Jeffrey Pine-Fir Forest. Pinus washoensis hybridizes freely with Pinus ponderosa (often to the near exclusion of "pure" Pinus washoensis) in areas of overlap with Eastside Ponderosa Pine Forest (84220).
SITE FACTORS:
Very similar to Jeffrey Pine-Fir Forest (85210), but probably somewhat colder in winter. May occur above Jeffrey Pine-Fir Forest, Jeffrey Pine Forest (85100) or Eastside Ponderosa Pine Forest (84220). Intergrades broadly with the latter two in the high valleys of Lassen and eastern Plumas, Sierra and Nevada Cos., between 5,500-6,500 feet (1680-1970m) (Haller 1961). Can occur below Red Fir Forest (85310) (Mt. Rose, Nevada) or Subalpine Coniferous Forests (86000) (Warner Mtns.).
DISTRIBUTION:
Well-established in two small areas in California and one in Nevada: near the crest of the southern Warner Mtns. in southern Modoc Co. and northernmost Lassen Co.; near the summit of Babbit Peak, Sierra Co.; and on the eastern slopes of Mt. Rose and Slide Mtn., about 7 miles northeast of Lake Tahoe, Washoe Co., Nevada. Elevation 7,000-8,500 feet (210-2850m) but as low as 5,500 feet (168m) in areas of intergradation.
UPDATE: 10/86
Source: Holland, 1986
Digital Text: NatureBase