Dendro Final -Sierran Forest

Sierran Forest Characteristic

-large elevation gradient (sea level to 10,000)
-Coastal Range and Sierra Nevada mtns
-broad central valley, rocky beaches
-mild, wet summers near the coast
heavy fog (coasts) and snow (mountains)
ultisoils and alluvisoils
-geological activity
-fire: every few years to 1,000 years
-fire adapted species, diverse, largest trees are conifers

coast redwood

-protected coves within 40 miles of the coast
-tallest trees in the world
-2,000 years old
-shade-tolerant, faster growth w/out shade
-resprouts from stumps or logs
-fire-resistant bark: >1ft thick
-soft and weak, but decay resistant
-picnic tables, siding, hot tubs

coast redwood wildlife

canopy habitats with upward sprouts, moss, birds, insects

coast redwood usage

-heavily logged → protected and listed as endangered in IUCN → now can supply some timber
-highest timber volume in the world

giant sequoia

-mountain forests on W. foothill slopes and coves
-up to 290 ft diameter, largest tree in the world
-serotinous cones retained on tree
-not great wood quality (used to be used on shingles, and used on fenceposts)
-threats: fire suppression, major wildlife, windthrows, lightning, and tourists
-1/5 lost in wildfires

sugar pines

-tallest pine in the world
-longest cone of any tree
-fire tolerant
-large volume of wood, soft, and workable
-molding for window and doorframes, piano keys, and organ pipes