Examples
“If it is caused by wind, it is known as krummholz formation, from the German for "twisted wood.”
The Huffington Post: Rich Wolf: Looking For Fall in All the High Places (PHOTOS)
“The forest-tundra interface is sparsely colonized by stunted, deformed Englemann spruce, subalpine fir, and sometimes bristlecone pine and snow willow (krummholz vegetation).”
“Above the mixed-forest zone lie pure stands of balsam fir and red spruce, which devolve into krummholz at higher elevations.”
Adirondack-New England Mixed Forest - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province (Bailey)
“In alpine areas above 10,000 feet, krummholz vegetation clings to windswept areas above the mosaic of meadow and subalpine forest.”
“The forest-alpine transition is now marked by krummholz-type vegetation of Rhododendron campanulatum, Rhododendron barbatum, Salix spp., and Syringa emodia.”
“In the southern parts of its range, Bicknell's thrush occupies spruce-fir krummholz forest, which is generally found above 915 meters in Vermont.”
“Above the mixed forest stands lie pure stands of balsam fir and red spruce, which devolve into krummholz at higher elevations.”
“The vegetation consists of stunted, twisted krummholz, dominated by rhododendron and juniper scrub, interspersed with patches of birch forests.”
“Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) is an important species at the upper treeline/krummholz zone.”
“Subalpine fir, lodgepole pine, whitebark pine, mountain hemlock, and alpine larch grow in rocky glacial cirques or on exposed sites as scattered trees, very open-canopied parklands, or krummholz.”
Lists
‘krummholz’ hasn't been added to any lists yet.
sionnach See also chordee Jan 17, 2008
pomegranate Note re "Getting high" list: I added this word at John's suggestion, and a fine suggestion it was. Jan 17, 2008
polymorph The normal definition: German for 'twisted wood'
This is a slightly more scientific explanation:
Krummholz Line: Krummholz is a growth form followed the trees at locations of great environmental stress, such as high wind. At lower elevations, where more favorable conditions exist, the same species that form into krummholz grow upright. The krummholz line is the upper-most limit in elevation that trees in krummholz form exist.
-A Definition of Treeline
If you want to see some of the earth's most twisted trees that are easily accessible, come visit Rocky Mountain National park and drive up Trail Ridge Road.
Apr 8, 2007