White Mountains, North

Encompassing the White Mountains north of the White Mountain Scientific Area, the vegetation in this area is basically of the Great Basin, enriched by Sierran boreal elements. There are several plant communities present including pinyon-juniper and bristlecone pine woodlands, alpine fell fields, aspen groves and sagebrush scrub.

The scrub, dominated by either Artemisia tridentata, Artemisia arbuscula or Artemisia arbusculassp. nova, is the most abundant community and extends from 1,830 meters (6,000 feet) to the timberline and above, 3,800 meters (12,500 feet).

The lower woodland is dominated by the pinyon, Pinus monophylla, with Utah juniper, Juniperus osteosperma, usually the co-dominant. Artemisia tridentata is common in the understory and is the dominant in much of the zone between the pinyon and bristlecone woodlands.

The bristlecone pine, Pinus longaeva, occurs above 2,620 meters (8,600 feet) in either pure stands or with limber pine, Pinus flexilis. There is a disjunct stand of lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana.

In the alpine portions, Eriogonum ovalifolium, Trifolium monoense and Carex eleocharis are common species; the latter is found in California only in these mountains. The Trifolium, along with Eriogonum gracilipes, Horkelia hispidula and Ivesia lycopodioides var. scandularis, are alpine endemics that occur only here.

Additionally, there are 9 other species that are endemic to the White Mountains. At least two species of rare or uncommon plants are found in this area, Eriogonum latens and Spartina gracilis.

Aspen groves with Populus tremuloides and water birch, Betula occidentalis, occur in moist places.

There is a variety of animals in the Mountains, including several with Great Basin affinities such as Townsend' s ground squirrel, Citellus townsendi, and the least chipmunk, Eutamias minimus. Species of note include the bighorn sheep, Ovis canadensis, mountain lion, Felis concolor, wild horse, Equus caballus, golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos, peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus, and prairie falcon, Falco mexicanus. A pure strain of the Piute cutthroat trout, Salmo clarkii seleniris, has been introduced and established in Cabin Creek.

Geologically, the north part of the White Mountains is primarily Mesozoic granites with some pre-Cretaceous metasedimentaries and metavolcanics. These varying rocks have given rise to differing soils which, in turn, have contributed to the diversity of species in the area.

On the east side there is evidence of extensive glaciation, with cirques, moraines and tarns. There are also several extensive, high flats.

Integrity: Cattle graze much of the area and, in places, have overgrazed. Wild burros are causing extensive, if localized, destruction of the native vegetation.

Use: Research, educational, observational. Some private.

Ref: Lloyd, R. M. and R. S. Mitchell. 1973. A Flora of the White Mountains, Calif. & Nev. Univ. of Calif. Press, Berkeley, 202 pp.

April 1981