Distribution and dynamics of the invasive native hay-scented fern

Songlin Fei; Peter Gould; Melanie Kaeser; Kim Steiner

Treesearch

Distribution and dynamics of the invasive native hay-scented fern

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Songlin Fei, Peter Gould, Melanie Kaeser, Kim Steiner

Year:

2010

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

Source:

Weed Science. 58: 408-412

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Abstract

The spread and dominance of the invasive native hay-scented fern in the understory is one of the most significant changes to affect the forest ecosystems in the northeastern United States in the last century. We studied changes in the distribution and dynamics of hay-scented fern at a large scale over a 10-yr period in Pennsylvania. The study included 56 stands covering 1,009 ha in two ecoregions. Hay-scented fern was more widely distributed and occurred at higher densities in the Allegheny Plateau ecoregion vs. the Ridge and Valley. Hay-scented fern abundance was positively associated with overstory red maple abundance in both ecoregions. After overstory removal, the densiry and distribution of hay-scented fern tended to increase and remain at elevated levels in stands that were not treated with herbicide. Herbicide treatments resulted in temporary reductions in fern densities and created a "window of opportuniry" for the establishment of tree regeneration.

Keywords

invasive species dynamics, herbicide, regeneration, harvest

Citation

Fei, Songlin; Gould, Peter; Kaeser, Melanie; Steiner, Kim. 2010. Distribution and dynamics of the invasive native hay-scented fern. Weed Science. 58: 408-412.