Distribution and dynamics of two ferns: Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Dennstaedtiaceae) and Thelypteris noveboracensis (Thelypteridaceae) in a Northeast mixed hardwoods–hemlock forest

  • Hill J
  • Silander J
N/ACitations
Citations of this article
71Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Dennstaedtia punctilobula and Thelypteris noveboracensis are two native species that often arrest forest succession and reduce understory diversity. As part of a project to examine the feedback between forest understory and canopy dynamics, we studied the patterns of distribution and dynamics of these two fern species in an oak–transition hardwoods–hemlock forest. Dennstaedtia was least abundant under shade‐tolerant tree species and most abundant in small (1–2 trees) canopy gaps, but did not show any distinct patterns across the sampled moisture regime. The light response was verified using light manipulation experiments and examination of plant size–abundance patterns across light environments. Thelypteris tended to be most prevalent under maple canopies and appeared to be more sensitive to soil moisture regime being restricted to more mesic sites than Dennstaedtia. Seasonal and year‐to‐year changes in abundance of established clones of both fern species were small, suggesting that once established, both species can maintain a strong hold on a site. Further work on the niche requirements of the two species is warranted, but any event that maintains or promotes canopy openness (tree death by disease or windthrow, forest harvesting, or the elimination of a shrub layer by browsing) will promote persistence of Dennstaedtia.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Hill, J. D., & Silander, J. A. (2001). Distribution and dynamics of two ferns: Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Dennstaedtiaceae) and Thelypteris noveboracensis (Thelypteridaceae) in a Northeast mixed hardwoods–hemlock forest. American Journal of Botany, 88(5), 894–902. https://doi.org/10.2307/2657041

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free