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Serpentine Siskiyous

Ecoregion in Klamath Mountains, Coast Ranges in CA, OR

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The Serpentine Siskiyous ecoregion is lithologically distinct from the rest of Ecoregion 78. Many plants have difficulty growing in its serpentine soils because of a shortage of calcium and high amounts of magnesium, nickel, and chromium. As a result, vegetation often is sparse and composed of specialist species. The dissected mountainous region covers diverse areas and plant communities. Jeffrey pine and endemic oak, ceanothus species, and many forbs have evolved to grow in the potentially toxic and nutrient-poor serpentine soils. Douglas-fir and western white pine also occur, especially coastward. Historical mining continues to cause some water-quality issues.

— EPA

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