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California High Mountain Meadow

EVT 7137Mediterranean California Subalpine Meadow
CES206.940GNRHerbGrassland
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Summary
This ecological system occurs at subalpine and montane elevations where finely textured soils, snow deposition, or windswept dry conditions limit tree establishment. It is typically found above 3000 m (9100 feet) elevation in California, western Nevada and Oregon. The soils in these sites can be seasonally moist to saturated in the spring but, if so, will dry out later in the growing season, and overall these are mesic to dry meadows, not wet. Characteristic plant species include Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis, Artemisia rothrockii, Oreostemma alpigenum, Calamagrostis breweri, Cistanthe umbellata, Carex exserta, Eriogonum incanum, Horkeliella purpurascens, and Trisetum spicatum. Burrowing mammals can increase the forb diversity. Herbs can include Carex subnigricans, Carex vernacula, Calamagrostis breweri, Antennaria media, Potentilla drummondii, Lewisia pygmaea, Erigeron algidus, Lupinus lepidus, Dodecatheon alpinum, and Solidago multiradiata. Wet meadows of Carex, Calamagrostis, Camassia, Eleocharis, Juncus, Veratrum, etc. from montane to subalpine are treated in Temperate Pacific Subalpine-Montane Wet Meadow (CES200.998).
Source: NatureServe Explorer
Vegetation
Characteristic plant species include Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis (= Achillea lanulosa), Artemisia rothrockii, Oreostemma alpigenum (= Aster alpigenus), Calamagrostis breweri, Cistanthe umbellata (= Calyptridium umbellatum), Carex exserta, Eriogonum incanum, Horkeliella purpurascens (= Ivesia purpurascens), and Trisetum spicatum. Burrowing mammals can increase the forb diversity. Herbs can include Carex subnigricans, Carex vernacula, Calamagrostis breweri, Antennaria media, Potentilla drummondii, Lewisia pygmaea, Erigeron algidus, Lupinus lepidus, Dodecatheon alpinum, and Solidago multiradiata.
Source: NatureServe Explorer
Environment
This ecological system occurs at subalpine and montane elevations where finely textured soils, snow deposition, or windswept dry conditions limit tree establishment. It is typically found above 3000 m (9100 feet) elevation in California, western Nevada and Oregon. The soils in these sites can be seasonally moist to saturated in the spring but, if so, will dry out later in the growing season, and overall these are mesic to dry meadows, not wet.
Source: NatureServe Explorer
Distribution
This system occurs at subalpine elevations where finely textured soils, snow deposition, or windswept dry conditions limit tree establishment, typically above 3000 m (9100 feet) in elevation in California, Nevada and Oregon.
Source: NatureServe Explorer
Ecologically Associated Plant Species

Plant species that characterize this ecosystem type, organized by vegetation stratum. These are species ecologically associated with the ecosystem, not confirmed present in any specific area.

Short shrub/sapling

Artemisia rothrockii

Herb (field)

Achillea millefolium, Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis, Antennaria media, Calamagrostis breweri, Calyptridium umbellatum, Carex filifolia var. erostrata, Carex subnigricans, Carex vernacula, Erigeron algidus, Eriogonum incanum, Horkeliella purpurascens, Lewisia pygmaea, Lupinus lepidus, Oreostemma alpigenum, Perideridia erythrorhiza, Potentilla drummondii, Primula tetrandra, Solidago multiradiata, Trisetum spicatum
Source: NatureServe Ecological System assessment
Ecologically Associated Animals (3)

Animal species ecologically associated with this ecosystem type based on NatureServe assessment. These are species whose habitat requirements overlap with this ecosystem, not confirmed present in any specific roadless area.

Mammals (1)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
Belding's Ground SquirrelUrocitellus beldingiG5

Butterflies & Moths (1)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
Mardon SkipperPolites mardonG2

Insects (1)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
Siskiyou Slant-face GrasshopperChloealtis aspasmaG3
Source: NatureServe Ecological System assessment
At-Risk Species Associated with this Ecosystem (6)

Species with conservation concern that are ecologically associated with this ecosystem type. G-Rank indicates global conservation status: G1 (critically imperiled) through G5 (secure). ESA status indicates U.S. Endangered Species Act listing.

Common NameScientific NameG-RankESA Status
Siskiyou Slant-face GrasshopperChloealtis aspasmaG3--
Stalked FleabaneErigeron algidusG2G3--
Purple IvesiaHorkeliella purpurascensG2G3--
Red-root YampahPerideridia erythrorhizaG2--
Mardon SkipperPolites mardonG2--
Alpine ShootingstarPrimula tetrandraG3G4--
Source: NatureServe Ecological System assessment
Component Associations (4)

Plant community associations that occur within this ecological system. Associations are the finest level of the U.S. National Vegetation Classification (USNVC) and describe specific, repeating assemblages of plant species. Each association represents a distinct community type that may be found where this ecosystem occurs.

NameG-Rank
Calamagrostis breweri - Juncus drummondii GrasslandGNR NatureServe
Calamagrostis breweri - Oreostemma alpigenum GrasslandGNR NatureServe
Calamagrostis breweri - Trisetum spicatum GrasslandGNR NatureServe
Carex douglasii Moist MeadowG4 NatureServe
State Conservation Ranks (3)

Subnational conservation status ranks (S-ranks) assigned by Natural Heritage Programs in each state where this ecosystem occurs. S1 indicates critically imperiled at the state level, S2 imperiled, S3 vulnerable, S4 apparently secure, and S5 secure. An ecosystem may be globally secure but imperiled in specific states at the edge of its range.

StateS-Rank
CASNR
NVSNR
ORSNR
Roadless Areas (140)

Inventoried Roadless Areas where this ecosystem is present, identified from LANDFIRE 2024 Existing Vegetation Type spatial analysis. Coverage indicates the proportion of each area occupied by this ecosystem type.

California (121)

AreaForestCoverageHectares
Black CinderLassen National Forest81.2%78.84
Wild Cattle MtnLassen National Forest66.2%1,328.76
Trail LakeLassen National Forest54.0%245.43
Butt Mtn.Lassen National Forest44.3%1,474.29
Keddie RidgeLassen National Forest43.3%676.62
Bear Camp FlatModoc National Forest40.2%402.48
Mt. BidwellModoc National Forest34.4%1,627.47
Hoover - EastHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest27.7%10.35
Murphy GladeShasta-Trinity National Forest20.5%84.24
Indian CreekKlamath National Forest18.3%371.79
Lion RidgeSequoia National Forest16.8%357.3
Hat Mtn.Modoc National Forest15.9%610.11
DardanellesEldorado National Forest15.7%515.07
Mt. Shasta BShasta-Trinity National Forest15.6%177.12
Mokelumne - SprattHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest14.4%35.73
MillModoc National Forest14.3%18.63
Slate Mtn.Sequoia National Forest14.3%712.26
Wilderness ContiguousMendocino National Forest13.1%190.8
Iceberg - RodriquezHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest11.9%10.98
Mt. VidaModoc National Forest11.2%351.99
ButtermilkInyo National Forest10.4%22.77
San JoaquinSierra National Forest10.0%912.33
Chips CreekLassen National Forest10.0%1,171.71
Hoover - NorthHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest9.6%61.29
ChinquapinShasta-Trinity National Forest9.6%855.9
FreelLake Tahoe Basin Management Unit9.6%592.47
Caples CreekEldorado National Forest9.3%672.57
Nevahbe RidgeInyo National Forest8.6%10.44
Mt. RebaStanislaus National Forest8.3%130.23
Robinson PeakHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest8.1%190.89
Bucks LakePlumas National Forest8.1%22.23
Granite Chief NLake Tahoe Basin Management Unit7.9%18.99
Lake EleanorShasta-Trinity National Forest7.9%12.69
Barney RileyHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest7.7%252.36
Buckeye RidgeHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest7.6%69.12
Hoover - Emma LakeHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest7.0%28.62
Adams PeakPlumas National Forest6.5%139.95
Laurel McgeeInyo National Forest6.0%214.38
EbbettsHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest5.9%6.12
EagleShasta-Trinity National Forest5.8%153.36
Raymond PeakStanislaus National Forest5.7%83.52
Iceberg - Mill CreekHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest5.5%606.24
Granite Chief SLake Tahoe Basin Management Unit5.4%12.42
Granite ChiefTahoe National Forest5.3%141.66
Castle PeakTahoe National Forest5.3%318.51
ProspectLassen National Forest5.2%85.5
Grizzly PeakPlumas National Forest4.9%123.93
Mt. RaymondSierra National Forest4.8%135.54
PantherShasta-Trinity National Forest4.4%214.83
Box CampKlamath National Forest4.3%14.94
Tioga LakeInyo National Forest4.2%13.95
Log Cabin SaddlebagInyo National Forest4.1%249.75
East BeegumShasta-Trinity National Forest4.0%137.79
DomeStanislaus National Forest4.0%178.92
DardanellesLake Tahoe Basin Management Unit4.0%227.25
Bald MountainTahoe National Forest3.9%92.79
Orleans Mtn.Klamath National Forest3.9%778.5
Glass MountainInyo National Forest3.9%837.27
Pilot CreekSix Rivers National Forest3.9%143.28
Hall Natural AreaInyo National Forest3.8%80.37
Callahan FlowKlamath National Forest3.8%49.23
ThatcherMendocino National Forest3.7%252.54
PowleyModoc National Forest3.7%94.5
Hoover - Green Ck NoHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest3.7%106.11
Mokelumne - Mt. BullionHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest3.6%200.52
Mokelumne - Hawkins PkHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest3.5%234.36
MosesSequoia National Forest3.2%287.91
Dexter CanyonInyo National Forest3.1%210.87
Hoover - Virginia LksHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest2.9%60.12
Condrey MountainRogue River National Forests2.9%106.83
Mt. OlsenInyo National Forest2.8%24.03
North LakeInyo National Forest2.7%25.92
SherwinInyo National Forest2.4%31.05
San JoaquinInyo National Forest2.4%191.52
Penney RidgeShasta-Trinity National Forest2.4%50.22
Rock Creek WestInyo National Forest2.3%33.75
PyramidEldorado National Forest2.3%226.53
EagleStanislaus National Forest2.3%148.05
Carson - IcebergStanislaus National Forest2.2%509.94
JohnsonKlamath National Forest2.2%94.86
NightStanislaus National Forest2.2%27.9
SoldierModoc National Forest2.2%88.47
Elk CreekMendocino National Forest2.2%202.68
North Fork SmithSix Rivers National Forest2.2%331.29
Horse Mdw.Inyo National Forest2.0%47.07
Table Mtn.Inyo National Forest2.0%34.11
Condrey Mtn.Klamath National Forest1.9%22.95
Big Butte ShinboneMendocino National Forest1.9%33.21
East ForkShasta-Trinity National Forest1.9%46.53
Tragedy - Elephants BackEldorado National Forest1.8%153.45
KellySix Rivers National Forest1.7%36.36
TinemahaInyo National Forest1.7%183.51
SiskiyouSiskiyou National Forests1.6%19.98
Wonoga Pk.Inyo National Forest1.6%71.73
Independence CreekInyo National Forest1.5%83.79
Jobs Peak (CA)Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest1.5%138.78
RinconSequoia National Forest1.5%323.28
Silver HillHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest1.4%24.48
Board CampSix Rivers National Forest1.3%24.57
West BeegumShasta-Trinity National Forest1.3%27.36
Orleans Mtn. BSix Rivers National Forest1.3%88.11
Orleans Mtn. CSix Rivers National Forest1.2%78.21
Bell MeadowStanislaus National Forest1.2%39.51
Hoover - Rickey PkHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest1.2%65.97
Tom MartinKlamath National Forest1.2%43.29
ShuteyeSierra National Forest1.2%34.11
Bonanza KingShasta-Trinity National Forest1.1%71.19
Coyote SoutheastInyo National Forest1.1%228.15
Slate CreekShasta-Trinity National Forest1.1%28.44
Knox Mtn.Modoc National Forest1.0%24.93
PyramidLake Tahoe Basin Management Unit1.0%30.15
ParsnipModoc National Forest1.0%32.76
Duncan CanyonTahoe National Forest0.9%32.94
Dinkey LakesSierra National Forest0.9%128.7
Coyote NorthInyo National Forest0.8%39.51
SnoozerKlamath National Forest0.8%72
RussianKlamath National Forest0.7%60.3
Grouse LakesTahoe National Forest0.7%50.49
PattisonShasta-Trinity National Forest0.6%71.82
South SierraInyo National Forest0.6%94.59
KangarooKlamath National Forest0.4%69.39

Nevada (8)

AreaForestCoverageHectares
Rose - Davis Mdw.Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest11.6%110.61
Rose - Dutch LouieHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest10.2%15.03
Rose - Alum CreekHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest6.9%23.94
Mt. Rose RoadlessLake Tahoe Basin Management Unit6.6%14.13
Rose - GalenaHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest6.2%92.7
Mystic (NV)Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest5.6%128.07
Rose - BroncoHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest2.7%9.45
Rose - EvansHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest2.3%45.09

Oregon (11)

AreaForestCoverageHectares
Mt. BidwellFremont National Forest23.7%426.06
Deadhorse RimFremont National Forest23.7%1,292.58
Crane MountainFremont National Forest8.2%770.31
Hanan TrailFremont National Forest7.4%243.36
Brattain ButteFremont National Forest6.6%158.13
Drake - McdowellFremont National Forest4.2%98.82
Sky Lakes AWinema National Forest2.1%33.75
Kangaroo (OR)Rogue River National Forests1.7%99.72
KangarooSiskiyou National Forests1.4%39.96
LastUmpqua National Forest1.3%41.85
Coleman RimFremont National Forest1.3%57.33
Methodology and Data Sources

Ecosystem classification: Ecosystems are classified using the LANDFIRE 2024 Existing Vegetation Type (EVT) layer, mapped to NatureServe Terrestrial Ecological Systems via a curated crosswalk. Each EVT is linked to the USNVC (U.S. National Vegetation Classification) hierarchy through pixel-level co-occurrence analysis of LANDFIRE EVT and NatureServe IVC Group rasters across all roadless areas.

Vegetation coverage: Coverage percentages and hectares are derived from zonal statistics of the LANDFIRE 2024 EVT raster intersected with roadless area boundaries.

Ecosystem narratives and community species: Sourced from the NatureServe Explorer API, representing professional ecological assessments of vegetation composition, environmental setting, dynamics, threats, and characteristic species assemblages.

IVC hierarchy: The International Vegetation Classification hierarchy is sourced from the USNVC v3.0 Catalog, providing the full classification from Biome through Association levels.

Component associations: Plant community associations listed as components of each NatureServe Ecological System. Association data from the NatureServe Explorer API.

State ranks: Conservation status ranks assigned by NatureServe member programs in each state where the ecosystem occurs.