6,000 to 8,000 Foot Elevation Curlleaf mountain mahogany prefers steep rocky locations with shallow soils . Although it does not form an easily defined zone on Steens Mountain, it can be seen on Rooster Comb off the southern portion of the Loop Road. It also occurs on the east face of the Mountain, on the slopes of the gorges, and scattered throughout mid-elevations. Mountain mahogany grows to about 20 feet in height. Its inconspicuous white flowers appear in May or June and produce a seed with a spiraling, feathery plume.
Mahogany is an important source of winter forage for deer.
The Mountain Big Sagebrush Zone contains many wildflowers, such as the Steens Mountain thistle, which grows only on Steens Mountain. This thistle can be seen along the roadside at many locations throughout this zone. On the northern portion of the Loop Road, mountain big sagebrush begins above the western juniper belt about 3 miles west of Lily Lake. It extends for about 8 miles to just above Jackman Park Campground. On the southern portion of the Loop Road, the Mountain Big Sagebrush Zone extends about 2 miles along the toad segment, and occurs on the flat ridge between Little Blitzen and Big Indian Gorges.