Impact of tree leaf phenology on growth rates and reproduction in the spring flowering species Trillium erectum (Liliaceae)

We investigated the impact of overstory tree leaf phenology on growth rates, carbon allocation pattern, and fruit characteristics in the spring flowering species, Trillium erectum (Liliaceae). Air temperature, overstory canopy closure, and T. erectum phenology were monitored at three locations follo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of botany 2002-03, Vol.89 (3), p.500-505
Main Authors: Routhier, Marie-Claude, Lapointe, Line
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Annuals
distribution limit
Ecology
Flowers & plants
Forest canopy
Fruits
Growing seasons
growth rates
latitudinal gradient
Light
Liliaceae
Overstory
overstory canopy closure
Phenology
Plant growth
Plant reproduction
Plants
Soil temperature
Spring
spring flowering plants
tree leaf phenology
Trees
Trillium
Understory
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Summary:We investigated the impact of overstory tree leaf phenology on growth rates, carbon allocation pattern, and fruit characteristics in the spring flowering species, Trillium erectum (Liliaceae). Air temperature, overstory canopy closure, and T. erectum phenology were monitored at three locations following a latitudinal gradient in Québec, Canada. Northern sugar maple trees leaf out at cooler temperatures than more southern populations, while Trillium development was initiated at the same soil temperature irrespective of the latitude. Therefore, in northern areas, the time between initiation of T. erectum leaf expansion and canopy closure was shorter than in southern areas, which left less time for northern plants to accumulate reserves before canopy closure. Differences in growth patterns were noted between T. erectum populations. From a south-north gradient, investment to reproduction, total plant biomass, and annual growth rate decreased, while specific leaf area and stem height increased, indicating shade acclimation. The length of the high light period in early spring seems to be a determinant for spring flowering plants growth and reproduction and may explain the northern distribution limit of some of these species.
ISSN:0002-9122
1537-2197
DOI:10.3732/ajb.89.3.500