subalpine

American  

[suhb-al-pahyn, -pin] / sʌbˈæl paɪn, -pɪn /

adjective

1. pertaining to the regions at the foot of the Alps.

2. Botany. growing on mountains below the limit of tree growth, and above the foothill, or montane, zone.

---

subalpine British  

/ sʌbˈælpaɪn /

adjective

1. situated in or relating to the regions at the foot of mountains

2. (of plants) growing below the treeline in mountainous regions

---

Etymology

Origin of subalpine

First recorded in 1650–60; sub- + alpine

Example Sentences

Mountain goats are tied to rugged alpine and subalpine habitats.

From Seattle Times • May 22, 2024

Rise through subalpine terrain to marvel at the snowy Olympic range and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 14, 2023

They are also interested in exploring the restoration of Australian alpine and subalpine peatlands across Australia to help reduce global warming.

From Science Daily • Nov. 8, 2023

Yet, fires in subalpine forests are rare, burning on average every 100 to 250+ years.

From Science Daily • Oct. 17, 2023

It is a subalpine plant, which forms at the Silla de Caracas a zone much higher than in the province of Cumana.

From Personal Narrative of Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of America, During the Year 1799-1804 — Volume 1 by Ross, Thomasina