Foothill woodland


Foothill woodland is a California vegetation type characterized by an overstory of broadleaf and coniferous trees, generally found in areas of higher elevations and more precipitation than grasslands and oak savannah, and at lower elevations and less precipitation than mixed coniferous.

Sierra Nevada range

In the Sierra Nevada range, it is found on western slopes at elevations of in the northern part of the range, in the central part, and in the southern part. Annual precipitation in its range is, with little precipitation in the summer. Growing season is 6-10 months. Temperatures range in the summer, and in winter.
In the Sierra Nevada range, it is characterized by a dominant overstory of Foothill Pine, Blue Oak, Interior Live Oak, California Black Oak, California Buckeye, and understory plants including Ceanothus spp., Toyon, Dogwood, and Redbud. It is often found on north facing slopes there is more moisture in the soils from protection from the sun.

Regional decline

Foothill Woodlands have declined as a result of development. In California counties, 64% have noted decreases greater than 5%. More residential commercial development has been occurring. A number of range lands have and continue to be converted.