Cinder Areas

 Cinder cones support three different plant communities, depending on aspect and successional stage. About 2% of the monument is cinder gardens, a distinct vegetation type. In early successional stages cinder gardens are colonized by species that produce spectacular spring wildflower displays. As soils develop on the cinders, antelope bitterbrush dominates shrub communities. Limber pine are present on north-facing slopes where sufficient moisture is available.