Читать книгу Top Trails: Lake Tahoe. Must-Do Hikes for Everyone онлайн

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On southern exposures, light stands of Jeffrey pine forest oftentimes intermix with Sierra juniper or with open areas of montane chaparral. The drought-tolerant montane chaparral community spans elevations across the spectrum of the upper montane zone into the subalpine zone, typically occupying dry slopes with a southern exposure. This community incorporates several common shrubs, including huckleberry oak, tobacco brush, rabbitbrush, manzanita, chinquapin, and sagebrush. Along the eastern fringe of the Carson Range, mountain mahogany and juniper trees may dot the slopes of the montane chaparral community. Areas of sufficient groundwater produce the montane meadow community. Similar to the montane chaparral community, montane meadows span the realm of the upper montane zone into the subalpine zone. The wetter environment allows grasses, rushes, and sedges to thrive, along with several species of water-loving wildflowers. The last of the five classifications within the upper montane zone is the riparian community. With the additional moisture provided by perennial streams, lush foliage along the banks includes deciduous trees and shrubs such as aspen, cottonwood, willow, alder, creek dogwood, and mountain ash. Smaller plants and colorful wildflowers are also common in creek-side environments.