Poker Flat

Near the crest of the Coast Range in a zone of extremely high rainfall, Poker Flat is of interest for the meadow which lies on serpentine. To the west are semi-barren serpentine slopes, in marked contrast to the montane coniferous forest in other portions of the area.

Here is the type locality for the rare buckwheat, Eriogonum hirtellum, which is a relatively narrow endemic found in this area and to the east. Two other rare plants are found here, Pedicularis howellii and Epilobium luteum. The latter species is of interest as this is a disjunct population; ranging to Alaska, the previously known southern limit was well to the north in the Oregon Cascades.

Among other plants of note are mountain maple, Acer glabrum var. torreyi, double honeysuckle, Lonicera conjugialis, Hupa gooseberry, Ribes marshallii, bitter cherry, Prunus emarginata, and Siskiyou bedstraw, Galium ambiguum var. siskiyouense.

Integrity: Logging operations have taken place in the vicinity. Grazing on the meadow is monitored and appears not to be detrimental.

Use: Research, educational, observational, light recreational.

November 1975