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Abstract
The broad range of aspen in North America is evidence of its equally broad tolerance of wide variations in climate (Fowells 1965). Given open space for establishment and not too severe competition from other plants, aspen can survive from timberline on the tundra's edge to very warm temperate climates, and from the wet maritime climates of the coasts to very severe and often quite dry continental climates of the interior. Therefore, to describe the climates typical of this species' range is extremely difficult, especially in the mountainous West, where climates vary greatly. However, aspen grows much better and competes more successfully under some climatic regimes than under others. Ecotypes of aspen have developed that perhaps are best adapted to the climatic regime in which they are growing (see the GENETICS AND VARIATION chapter).
Parent Publication
Citation
Jones, John R.; DeByle, Norbert V. 1985. Climates. In: DeByle, Norbert V.; Winokur, Robert P., editors. Aspen: Ecology and management in the western United States. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report RM-119. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Fort Collins, Colo. p. 57-64
