Pine-Fir Forest (Canadian Life Zone)

Non-technical Description: A high-elevation forest of tall evergreen (pine and fir) trees and few shrubs. The Pine-Fir Forest association occurs at higher elevations in the mountains and is dominated by Ponderosa Pine and White Fir. The understory usually is open, but may include Wax Currant, Sagebrush, and few other species. Disturbed areas such as avalanche corridors many be dominated by nearly pure stands of Quaking Aspen. On rocky ridges and other places where trees are absent, Curlleaf Mountain Mahogany may be common.

The pine-fir forest is found only in some of the higher mountains around Las Vegas. Pine-fir forests are extensive in the Spring Mountains (Mt. Charleston) and there are remnant stands of White Fir and Douglas Fir near the summit of Virgin Peak.