A new record for the highest-elevation tree in California has been set, with a Jeffrey pine discovered at 11,517 feet above sea level in Sequoia National Park. The discovery was made by UC Davis Professor Hugh Safford during a hike and is published in the journal Madroño.
Safford’s find surpassed the previous record for the highest-altitude Jeffrey pine by 1,860 feet. This new elevation marks a significant shift in the distribution of tree species in California’s High Sierra region.
The discovery highlights the impact of climate change on the region, as warmer temperatures and earlier snowmelt allow seeds to germinate and establish themselves at higher elevations. Safford suspects that birds, specifically the Clark’s nutcracker, may be responsible for dispersing seeds of the Jeffrey pine in this area.
Safford’s research underscores the importance of direct observation and on-the-ground measurements to understand the effects of climate change. The scientist believes that relying solely on satellite imagery or remote sensing technology can lead to inaccurate assessments of tree distribution and elevation.
To further investigate, Safford and his team will conduct a summer expedition to Mount Whitney, Mount Kaweah, and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks, where they will identify seedlings, measure and identify trees, and develop models to better understand the changing landscape.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-04-california-highest-elevation-tree-jeffrey.html