Sandwiched between a lodgepole pine on the left and a foxtail pine on the right is the first Jeffrey pine tree UC Davis Professor Hugh Safford observed in September 2024 on a hike on the south slope of Mount Kaweah. Lodgepole and foxtail pine are commonly found above timberline, but the Jeffrey stood out as “not belonging there.” Credit: Hugh Safford, UC Davis
🌲 A Surprising Discovery at the Summit
In September 2024, UC Davis forest ecologist Hugh Safford embarked on a leisurely hike along Mount Kaweah in California’s High Sierra. Expecting the usual alpine scenery, he was astonished to find a young Jeffrey pine thriving at an elevation of 12,657 feet (3,858 meters)—the highest recorded elevation for any tree in California. This discovery surpassed the previous elevation record for Jeffrey pines by 1,860 feet, challenging long-held beliefs about tree growth limits in the region.
🌱 Beyond a Lone Tree: A Pattern Emerges
Safford’s initial find was not an isolated case. During his hike, he identified 14 Jeffrey pines growing above 11,800 feet (3,597 meters), some estimated to be over 20 years old. This pattern suggests a broader ecological shift, with Jeffrey pines establishing themselves well beyond their traditional upper elevation limit of around 9,500 feet.
This tree set records for both the highest Jeffrey pine and the highest elevation tree recorded in California. UC Davis Professor Hugh Safford observed and recorded the tree in September 2024 during a casual hike. It is at 3,858 meters, or 12,657 feet elevation. The seedling was 6 years old and 10 inches tall. Credit: Hugh Safford, UC Davis
🔍 Climate Change and Avian Allies: Factors Behind the Shift
The unexpected presence of Jeffrey pines at such high elevations points to the influence of climate change. Warmer temperatures and earlier snowmelt have created conditions conducive to seed germination and growth in areas previously inhospitable to these trees. Additionally, the Clark’s nutcracker, a bird known for its seed-caching behavior, may be facilitating the spread of Jeffrey pine seeds to higher altitudes. Dailyscitech
🌄 Implications for Ecology and Conservation
This upward migration of Jeffrey pines has significant implications for our understanding of species distribution and ecosystem dynamics. The fact that these trees are now found at elevations higher than traditional subalpine species like foxtail, limber, and lodgepole pines suggests a rapid ecological response to changing climate conditions. Safford emphasizes the importance of fieldwork in detecting such shifts, noting that satellite data may not capture these nuanced changes. Dailyscitech
This tree set records for both the highest Jeffrey pine and the highest elevation tree recorded in California. UC Davis Professor Hugh Safford observed and recorded the tree in September 2024 during a casual hike. It is at 3,858 meters, or 12,657 feet elevation. The seedling was 6 years old and 10 inches tall. Credit: Hugh Safford, UC Davis
🌍 A Call to Action: Monitoring Nature’s Response
The discovery of high-elevation Jeffrey pines serves as a reminder of nature’s resilience and adaptability. However, it also underscores the need for ongoing research and monitoring to understand the full impact of climate change on forest ecosystems. As Safford plans further studies in the southern Sierra Nevada, this finding invites scientists and conservationists to re-examine ecological models and conservation strategies in the face of a warming planet. Dailyscitech
🤔 What Other Surprises Lie Hidden in the High Sierra?
As climate change continues to reshape our natural world, what other unexpected shifts might be occurring unnoticed? Could other species be adapting in ways we’ve yet to discover? Share your thoughts and stay curious about the ever-evolving tapestry of life on Earth. Dailyscitech
Reference: “New Elevation Records for Jeffrey Pine” by Hugh D. Safford, 4 March 2025, Madroño.
DOI: 10.3120/0024-9637-72.1.a7
