They are the northernmost mangroves on the Pacific Coast of North America and the region is transitional between tropical and temperate seas.

Because of the nutrient-limited conditions, the mangrove forests are generally low, growing up to one meter in height.

[3] On the Sonoran coast, R. mangle, L. racemosa, Avicennia germinans, and Conocarpus erectus are the dominant mangroves.

[1] The food and shelter provided by the mangroves support communities of oysters, crabs, invertebrate larvae, and juvenile fish.

[1] Seabirds and shorebirds use the mangroves as a source of food (invertebrates and fish), and as rest areas and winter residences.