Trees and Plants

Though Mount Rainier is most famous for its spectacular [wildflowers ](http://www.nps.gov/mora/learn/nature/wildflowers.htm), the park's other vegetation is quite diverse as well. Both climate and elevation vary widely, which creates a range of habitats and ecosystems. There are more than 890 vascular plant species, 260 non-vascular plants and fungi, and more than 100 exotics in the park. There are four distinct zones in the park: a Forest Zone, a Subalpine Zone, an Alpine Zone, and areas of "Disturbance." Approximately 58 percent of the park is covered by low-, mid- and high-elevation forests, which in turn hold a wide variety of fir, hemlock, and cedar trees. Forest ages range from stands less than 100 years old to old-growth stands 1,000 or more years old. The park's Subalpine Zone, at the upper edge of high-elevation forests, covers approximately 23 percent of the park. Vegetation in this zone is a patchwork of tree clumps and herbaceous meadows, which are defined by the depth and duration of the snowpack each season. Subalpine meadows are home to the park's spectacular wildflower displays, which sometimes don't occur until June or later. The Alpine Zone extends from the tree line to Mount Rainier's summit, and about 50 percent of this zone is permanently covered in snow and ice. Alpine vegetation, such as heather, covers the remainder. Finally, Disturbance areas are created when a large-scale event such as forest fire, wind storms, or avalanches significantly alter the landscape. While destructive, these events create opportunities for new plant communities to take hold.