Alpine Ecosystem

  State Rank S2

Areas above treeline, where elevation and exposure create extremely harsh conditions; restricted in Maine to mountains above 3500', although not all mountains above 3500' have alpine vegetation. Alpine ecosystems have low and often sparse vegetation due to the harsh environment. Certain tree species may be present, but grow only as krummholz, not erect.

Natural Communities Associated with Alpine Ecosystem

• Alpine Cliff
• Bilberry - Mountain-heath Alpine Snowbank
• Cotton-grass - Heath Alpine Bog
• Crowberry - Bilberry Summit Bald
• Diapensia Alpine Ridge
• Dwarf Heath - Graminoid Alpine Ridge
• Heath - Lichen Subalpine Slope Bog
• Mountain Alder - Bush-honeysuckle Subalpine Meadow
• Spruce - Fir - Birch Krummholz