The montane biome is extraordinary both in its beauty and its wide range of habitat. The Rocky Mountains are 65 million years old which is fairly young, geologically speaking. The upper boundary of the Montane biome is defined by the tree line (below the sub-alpine zone). This unique high altitude ecosystem hosts a variety of plants due to the variations in soil, temperature, climate, and slope.

Although often confused with the montane ecosystem, the alpine biome occurs specifically above the tree line, usually found between 6,560-7,220 ft. This alpine zone is also commonly referred to as the high mountain biome. Not all alpine plants throughout the globe grow at the same altitudes; for example Mt. Kilimanjaro’s alpine zone starts at 11,480 feet while in the Alps you’ll find alpine plants at 5,900 ft. The alpine zone is further broken down to the sub-alpine, alpine, high alpine, and snow zones. Extreme conditions have created a variety of adaptations within the flora creating an abundance of beautiful and unique plant varieties.

GoNative Series: The Montane & Alpine Biome

August 9: More information coming soon!