22. Summary of Formation The Sierra Nevada Mountains run 400 miles north and south and 70 miles east and west. One of the most recognizable features is Lake Tahoe and the highest point of the range is Yosemite Valley. This was formed by glaciers that were made up of 100 million year old granite. These are just a few key features in the important formation of the area that is an attraction to so many.
23. History of Biotic communities The granite that was mentioned before was formed very deep underground. The area of range started to lift upward approximately four million years ago. This caused a major erosion of the glaciers that were exposed to the granite. This began the formation of the many different colored mountain ranges and led to the wide variety of elevations and climates in the Sierra. It is because of this, the five different biotic communities exist.
This is at the river bottom of the San Joaquin River.
True to its name the San Joaquin Willow is native to the San Joaquin Valley. It is considered a deciduous shrub tree and grows very slowly. It spends the first three years of its life growing roots. They usually have yellow stems with light green leaves and will not ever be found far from water. They can survive in alkaline soil and contaminated water.
This type of plant is usually found in large quantities by creeks and rivers. It received its name due to the fact it was first identified in Basket Ranch Utah. It is now found in most areas that have a rivers edge and is often very useful in the fact that it can act as a barrier.
The Arroyo Willow is considered a small shrub or tree and is great for riverbank stabilization. It is native to most of California but is also found in Idaho. Their roots must actually access the water to thrive. Their growth and look depends solely on the amount of light they are exposed to and the plant is usually an attraction to insects.
This area is just before Friant, California , on the way to Shaver Lake.
This species of plant is native to dry areas of California. It usually blooms in the beginning of spring and must have excellent soil drainage to thrive. They also do very well in home and residential areas. They have prickles that look as if they would be extremely sharp but they are not as serious as they look.
This flower is edible and scented very attractively. It usually prefers shade but can withstand the sun as well. It usually goes dormant in the summer but has other variations, such as the Golden California Pansy that can thrive in rich soil without water during the summer months. It usually only reaches about six inches in height and can spread very quickly.
Clustered Field Sedge is referred to as a field herb and is usually found in the valley grassland areas and also in coastal regions and the Yellow Pine Forest. They can grow up to eight feet tall and usually spread fairly quickly.
This area is off Auberry Road in Friant, California.
Also known as Canyon Grey, this species is known as a shrub and for being able to withstand a drought period. It is prominent throughout California and in the foothill areas. Many would be surprised that it is fuzzy to the touch. These shrubs usually only grow to about 12 to 18 inches in size.
Western Cottonwoods are known for being water shunts for other plants around them. They are very popular and can be found in the other areas as well such as the grasslands and chaparrals. They can grow extremely fast in size in a short period of time. They also make great shade trees in residential areas.
Not be confused with the popular herb, this type of plant is considered a weed and can be very unattractive in nature. It is usually found in foothill areas and is native to California. The texture of the plant is very coarse and it also has a light but distinctive scent.
This chaparral is in the lower elevation area that is leveled between the foothills and the Conifer Forest on the way to Shaver Lake.
This type of an evergreen shrub can usually grow up to three feet in height and six feet in width. They usually have a reddish brown bark and sometimes they can also have colorful flowers as well. They are hardy plants that can withstand drought. They are abundant in the San Joaquin Valley and in Monterey County.
These shrubs are found throughout the San Joaquin Valley in Chaparral areas. They are usually drought resistant and take on an odd shape if watered too frequently. They can be a little hard to maintain given the fact there is a small medium between too much and too little moisture.
This plant is a unique looking shrub. They tend to grow best in reddish clay soil or decomposed granite. The average height of the plant is usually around 15 feet at full maturity. When it starts the blooming process in early spring the entire plant can look snow white. It also produces seeds that become black and brown when ripe.
This is in the Shaver Lake area of the mixed Conifer Forest and the southern Sierra Nevada's.
The Vine Maple is native to British Columbia, coastal regions of northern California, and mountain ranges. The flowers on these plants usually grow in bunches of 20 and change colors throughout the seasons. They thrive in the shade and also in areas where the ground stays moist as well.
This fern is native to California and is usually found in the Conifer Forrest. It grows in areas that are shaded and that are near pines and oaks. It does not get a large amount of sun and is usually found in winter spots that stay wet and moist the majority of the time. It can dry out and if it does it is called summer dormant. When this happens they usually look dead.
These beautiful yellow flowers are found in the Conifer Forestand also in other areas such as Valley Grasslands. They start to grow and bloom in early spring and do best in a clay type of soil. During the summer months they become deciduous.
