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Map Satellite Unusual climatic and soil conditions here have resulted in a unique floral assemblage. Several plant communities are found, including a pine forest dominated by ponderosa and Jeffrey pines, Pinus ponderosa and Pinus jeffreyi, chaparral, a riparian association, meadowland and a bog.
This site is the southernmost limit for Garrya buxifolia, Ceanothus pumilus, and Rhododendron occidentale , as well as for the rare Arabis macdonaldiana. The rare Eriogonum kelloggii occurs here.
Both the MacNab and the Sargent cypress, Cupressus macnabiana and Cupressus sargentii, grow here, with the former reaching its westernmost limit and the latter its northernmost.
The mountain is the type locality for some 15 plant species, including 6 bog species.
Geologically the area includes a wide band of serpentine on the southern portion of the mountain as well as Franciscan formation rocks in the eastern portion. The bog lies almost wholly upon the serpentine.
The mountain is occasionally cooled by the wind and fog from the coast, yet its southern and eastern slopes are subject to the heat of the inner Coast Ranges.
Integrity: There is a very poor road on a portion of the area and there have been logging and mining operations. This site is remarkably free of introduced plants.
Use: Research, education, This area needs careful botanical examination.
Ref: Knight, Walter and Irja Knight, 1971. A Botanical Glimpse of Red Mountain. The Four Seasons, Vol. 4 (1), p. 10-17.
March 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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