Nitrogen-fixing nodule characterization and morphology of four species in the northern Intermountain Region

Abstract

Purshia tridentata (antelope bitterbrush), Ceanothus velutinus (snowbrush), Ceanothus sanguenius (redstem ceanothus), and Shepherdia canadensis (buffaloberry) are native shrubs of the Northern Intermountain Region that are generally characterized as nitrogen-fixing species. These species occupy a range of habitats from steppe to alpine environments. Nodulation of these species is initiated through root infection by Frankia species and the resulting nodules are described as coralloid. Nodulation is not necessarily confirmation that nitrogen-fixation is taking place in the nodular and root tissue of the shrub. Nodule formation, abundance, and functionality on individual plants is strongly influenced by soil moisture, soil nutrient balance, and age and health of the individual shrub, thus the character of nitrogen-fixation as an ecological process across a shrub population, and through time, may be tremendously varied. We determined the degree of nodulation and the nodule morphological characteristics on plants between stands and sites to be consistent.

Parent Publication

• Shrubland ecosystem genetics and biodiversity: proceedings

Citation

Walls, Lee; Zamora, Benjamin A. 2001. Nitrogen-fixing nodule characterization and morphology of four species in the northern Intermountain Region. In: McArthur, E. Durant; Fairbanks, Daniel J., comps. Shrubland ecosystem genetics and biodiversity: proceedings; 2000 June 13-15; Provo, UT. Proc. RMRS-P-21. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 295-301.