Washington Native Plant Society: Sub-Alpine Ecosystem

Sub-Alpine Ecosystem

Islands of mountain hemlock, subalpine fir, and Englemann spruce surrounded by wildflower meadows characterize Washington’s subalpine. Many of Washington’s mountain passes extend into the subalpine zone providing glorious displays of wildflowers along the roadsides. These are the highest mountain zones which still include trees. Beyond the timber line is the alpine. In Washington the subalpine roughly occurs between 3,000 and 5,500 feet. The elevation range of the subalpine zone varies depending on latitude. Within this zone trees are more or less continuous at the lower elevations. At higher elevations and with harsher weather conditions trees are clumped into protective islands. It is in the subalpine that you might be fortunate enough to find our native white-flowered rhododendron. Huckleberries and mountain heather crouch close to the ground. Wildflower meadows of lupines, columbines, western anemone and glacier lilies may be seen in June and July.