Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The California condor is the largest flying bird in North America. In 1987 there were only
two dozen or so birds left in the wild. Thanks to captive breeding and release programs,
there are about 240 flying free today.
Wildflowers & Trees
California's 6000 kinds of plants are both flamboyant and subtle. Many species are so ob-
scure and similar that only a dedicated botanist could tell them apart, but add them all to-
gether in the spring and you end up with riotous carpets of wildflowers that can take your
breath away. The state flower is the orange-yellow native California poppy.
California is also a region of superlative trees: the oldest (bristlecone pines of the White
Mountains that are nearly 5000 years old), the tallest (coast redwoods approaching 380ft)
and the largest (giant sequoias of the Sierra Nevada exceeding 36ft across at the base). The
latter, which are unique to California, survive in isolated groves scattered on the Sierra
Nevada's western slopes, including in Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.
An astounding 20 native species of oak grow in California, including live (evergreen)
oaks with holly-like leaves and scaly acorns. Other common trees include the aromatic
California bay laurel, whose long slender leaves turn purple. Rare native trees include
Monterey pines and Torrey pines, both gnarly species that have adapted to harsh coastal
conditions such as high winds, sparse rainfall and sandy, stony soils; the latter only grows
at Torrey Pines State Reserve near San Diego and in the Channel Islands, home to dozens
more endemic plant species.
Heading inland, the Sierra Nevada has three distinct ecozones: the dry western foothills
covered with oak and chaparral; conifer forests starting from an elevation of 2000ft; and
an alpine zone above 8000ft. Almost two dozen species of conifer grow in the Sierra
Nevada, with mid-elevation forests home to massive Douglas firs, ponderosa pines and,
biggest of all, the giant sequoia. Deciduous trees include quaking aspen, a white-trunked
tree whose shimmering leaves turn pale yellow in the fall, creating spectacular scenery,
notably in the Eastern Sierra.
