Winter water relations at the upper elevational limits of hemlock on Mt. Ascutney, Vermont

Abstract

Winter water relations have been monitored in hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.) at their upper elevational limits for three winters, 1997, 1998, and 1999, on Mt. Ascutney, Vermont. Hemlock and white pine trees (Pinus strobus L.) reach their elevational limit on Mt. Ascutney at 640 m (2100?), while the summit has an elevation of 960 m (3150'). Relative water contents (RWCs), water potentials, and cuticular conductances were monitored in combination with micrometeorological weather information on both species. These data were incorporated into a winter water relations model which predicts relative water contents based on climate information.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings: symposium on sustainable management of hemlock ecosystems in eastern North America

Citation

Vostral, Chandra B.; Boyce, Richard L. 2000. Winter water relations at the upper elevational limits of hemlock on Mt. Ascutney, Vermont. In: McManus, Katherine A.; Shields, Kathleen S.; Souto, Dennis R., eds. Proceedings: Symposium on sustainable management of hemlock ecosystems in eastern North America. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-267. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 206-214.