Strange Plants near Silcox Hut on Mount Hood

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west_linn_hiker
Posts: 8
Joined: March 3rd, 2022, 11:20 am

Strange Plants near Silcox Hut on Mount Hood

Post by west_linn_hiker » March 3rd, 2022, 11:39 am

Hi all!

On Dec 3rd, 2021, I was around 7,000 ft on Mt Hood when I noticed some strange, wonderful plants growing in the rocky soil. I was close to Silcox Hut, and almost under the Magic Mile Chairlift.

Each plant was probably the size of my hand. They were a pea green, with a tinge of purple on top. Leathery leaves, almost like a succulent cactus, with strange patterns. They grew close to the ground, no more than a couple inches high. No flowers present.

Anyone know what these are? They must be extremely hardy to survive in such an extreme environment.
20211203_145540.jpg
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This photo was a little way away from the plants, but it placed here for context, so you can see the rocky soil and the environment:
20211203_143440.jpg
My GPS says that this photo was taken close to the top three. I apologize that it's partly blurry, but you can see dried out branches here, as well as another plant:
20211203_145553.jpg

Thuja
Posts: 57
Joined: February 10th, 2018, 8:19 pm

Re: Strange Plants near Silcox Hut on Mount Hood

Post by Thuja » March 3rd, 2022, 8:22 pm

My Hood pussypaws and Partridge-foot
Lots of unique plants above timberline

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adamschneider
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Location: SE Portland
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Re: Strange Plants near Silcox Hut on Mount Hood

Post by adamschneider » March 4th, 2022, 12:43 am

Calyptridium umbellatum and Luetkea pectinata, if you want to get fancy.

west_linn_hiker
Posts: 8
Joined: March 3rd, 2022, 11:20 am

Re: Strange Plants near Silcox Hut on Mount Hood

Post by west_linn_hiker » March 4th, 2022, 7:56 am

Thuja and Adam; Thank you!

Amazing how plants can adapt to such harsh environments.

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