Is the wide distribution of aspen a result of its stress tolerance?

V. J. Lieffers; S. M. Landhausser; E. H. Hogg

Treesearch

Is the wide distribution of aspen a result of its stress tolerance?

Informally Refereed

Authors:

V. J. Lieffers, S. M. Landhausser, E. H. Hogg

Year:

2001

Type:

Proceedings

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

In: Shepperd, Wayne D.; Binkley, Dan; Bartos, Dale L.; Stohlgren, Thomas J.; Eskew, Lane G., comps. Sustaining aspen in western landscapes: Symposium proceedings; 13-15 June 2000; Grand Junction, CO. Proceedings RMRS-P-18. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 311-324.

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Abstract

Populus tremuloides is distributed from drought-prone fringes of the Great Plains to extremely cold sites at arctic treeline. To occupy these conditions aspen appears to be more tolerant of stress than the other North American species of the genus Populus. Cold winters, cold soil conditions during the growing season, periodic drought, insect defoliation, and competition from conifers are typical stresses faced by aspen. Aspen is capable of high photosynthetic rates but has conservative use of water during high vapor pressure deficits. This paper examines photosynthesis, water relations, morphological characteristics and root growth, and carbon allocation strategies in relation to the above stresses.

Parent Publication

Sustaining aspen in western landscapes: Symposium proceedings; 13-15 June 2000; Grand Junction, CO

Keywords

ecosystem management, ecosystem research, sustainable forests, quaking aspen, Populus tremuloides

Citation

Lieffers, V. J.; Landhausser, S. M.; Hogg, E. H. 2001. Is the wide distribution of aspen a result of its stress tolerance? In: Shepperd, Wayne D.; Binkley, Dan; Bartos, Dale L.; Stohlgren, Thomas J.; Eskew, Lane G., comps. Sustaining aspen in western landscapes: Symposium proceedings; 13-15 June 2000; Grand Junction, CO. Proceedings RMRS-P-18. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 311-324.