Fern and aster effects on black cherry shelterwood regeneration

Abstract

Regeneration of black cherry (Prunusserotina Ehrh.) is difficult on northeast United States forest sites that are dominated by hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtiapunctilobula Michx.). The growth of black cherry seedlings beneath fern and whorled wood aster (Asteracuminatus Michx.) ground cover was monitored for eight growing seasons on weeded and unweeded plots following a shelterwood seed cutting. Black cherry seedlings on plots that were weeded to remove ferns during years 2 through 4 were significantly taller than seedlings on unweeded controls by the end of the 6th year. Yet they still were not as tall as the residual ferns not removed by weeding. Black cherry seedlings beneath aster had overtopped the aster by the end of 6 years and were almost twice as tall as black cherry on weeded fern plots. Reduced height growth of black cherry after 6 years indicated the need for overstory removal. The study results underscore the importance of controlling hay-scented fern prior to a shelterwood seed cutting.