Perennial herbs or dwarf shrubs less than 0.5m tall, including "cushion plants". Forms a low turf on favorable sites but more often scattered among the rocks and gravel. Often well developed at the bases of larger rocks. Growth occurs during July and August, but is often delayed until the beginning of August in areas of heavy snow accumulation or limited by drought after the first few weeks in drier sites. Flowering is usually concentrated in late July and early August. Many of the plants have conspicuous flowers.
SITE FACTORS:
Similar to Subalpine Forest (86000) but above treeline and colder, with a brief summer growing season. Subject to intense solar radiation and freezing nights in summer. Subject to severe winds and very low temperatures in winter on windward slopes, which are often blown almost clear of snow. More protected slopes accumulate deep snowdrifts which may persist until midsummer or later. The substrate is rocky, with little soil formation and excellent drainage. Plants are often subject to desiccation by midsummer, after the meltwater has disappeared. Occurs above Sierran Mixed Subalpine Forest (86200) on relatively moist slopes or Foxtail Pine Forest (86300) on dry slopes.
DISTRIBUTION:
Highest peaks of the Klamath Ranges (Trinity Alps, Salmon-Scott Mtns.) in Siskiyou and Trinity Cos. Elevation above 7,500 feet (2270m). Also on Mt. Shasta, Siskiyou Co. and Mt. Lassen, Shasta Co., between about 8,500-10,500 feet (2500-3180m) and occasionally higher.
UPDATE: 10/86
Source: Holland, 1986
Digital Text: NatureBase