in the canopy or clears away litter on the ground, so there is less competition for germinating seeds. Thus, the fire is an advantageous time for trees to drop their seeds. Other flora and fauna While the pines or cypresses are by far, the most common tree in these forests, coast live oaks often accompany them. Due to the relatively short lifespan of closed-cone pines, many dead trunks and snags are available and attract a whole host of wildlife ranging from woodpeckers, titmice, chickadees, warblers, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, mountain lions, deer and many others. The lush undergrowths, typical of the forests, are excellent habitat as well. Blackberries, wild roses, wood mints, California honeysuckle, currants, and others are common. The flora and fauna varies from area to areas, especially the southern and northern closed-cone pine regions. Soils have low nutrients and are stressed due to a lack of nitrogen. This promotes slow growth. Lichens and mosses in these forests are diverse and can be abundant. See also Fire ecology Conifer forest California montane chaparral and woodlands- (subecoregion') California interior chaparral and woodlands- (subecoregion'') References California’s Changing Landscapes, by Barbour et al. Ch.3 (1997, California Native Plant Society) External links Las Pilitas Native Plant Nursery: Info on Closed-cone Pine Forests Plant communities of California Forests of Mexico Forests of California