<P> In the conifer forests of the Alps the prevailing species are the Norway spruce and the silver fir; on siliceous soil the European larch flourishes . The Scots pine is chiefly found at a lower level and rarely forms forests . The Swiss pine is found scattered at intervals throughout the Alps but is not common . The mountain pine is common at higher altitudes, often forming a distinct zone of Krummholz above the level of its congeners on the higher mountains . In the Northern Alps the pine forests rarely surpass 1800 m (6000 ft) elevation, but on the south side they commonly attain 2100 m (6900 ft), while European larch, Swiss pine and mountain pine often extend above that elevation . </P> <P> The Alps are eponymous of the Alpine climate typical of the Alps between the tree line up to the permanent snow line, roughly between 1800 m and 2500 m . This alpine region contains the full beauty and variety of characteristic vegetation of the Alps . </P> <P> The region contains many shrubs: </P> <Ul> <Li> Three species of rhododendron have masses of red or pink flowers; </Li> <Li> The common junipers grow at elevations above the rhododendrons . </Li> <Li> Three species of bilberry are associated with the junipers . </Li> <Li> Several dwarf willows grow near the snow line . </Li> </Ul>

When does the snow melt in the alps