Stem analysis of a long-lived black spruce clone at treeline

Journal Article · Tue Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1994 · Arctic and Alpine Research (Boulder, Colorado); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/1551877· OSTI ID:7284287

Payette, S; Delwaide, A; Morneau, C; Lavoie, C ^[1]

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1. Universite Laval, Sainte-Foy, Quebec (Canada)

Because of its ability to layer and to produce different phenotypes, black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] BSP.) develops a complex clonal structure ensuring its survival and longevity. Here we report tree stem development and demise of a black spruce clone at treeline over the last 500 yr. Since the 16th century, the apical meristems of the clonal spruce experienced three periods of stem development associated with brief warmings and two periods of stem decline corresponding to known cold spells of the Little Ice Age. Ortet development was particularly vigorous in the 16th century, while the two layered stems slowly developed in the late 17th century and in the 20th century, respectively. Stem decline appeared as a progressive process lasting for several decades in the form of a basipetal death-gradient along the bole amplified by the above/below snow-pack position. Stem elongation was possibly facilitated by lesser winter-snow abrasion and/or thicker snowpack. Clonal stem development may have important implications for spruce spread in the arctic tundra in a warmer world. 26 refs. 2 figs.

• OSTI ID: 7284287
• Journal Information: Arctic and Alpine Research (Boulder, Colorado); (United States), Vol. 26:1; ISSN 0004-0851
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
PLANT STEMS
ANNUAL VARIATIONS
QUEBEC
CLIMATIC CHANGE
SPRUCES
TREE RINGS
LITTLE ICE AGE
CANADA
CONIFERS
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
NORTH AMERICA
PINOPHYTA
PLANTS
TREES
VARIATIONS
560400* - Other Environmental Pollutant Effects