Habitat Factors and Species' Traits Influence Riparian Community Recovery Following Removal of Bohemian Knotweed (Polygonum x bohemicum)

Abstract

Abstract Removal of invasive plants to restore native community structure and function is an important component of riparian management in the Pacific Northwest, USA. However, little is known about the role of habitat factors and species' traits in mediating recovery of native riparian systems following removal of invasives. We experimentally investigated the response of riparian understories to removal of Bohemian knotweed (Polygonum x bohemicum). We measured abundance, diversity, and composition of herbaceous and woody species before and for two years after removal. Knotweed removal resulted in rapid and abundant colonization of native woody species and of native and non-native forbs. Variation in the responses of these groups was most commonly associated with two habitat factors, height above channel and depth of knotweed litter. Knotweed litter benefited native forbs (predominantly forest perennials) relative to non-native forbs (predominantly light-demanding annuals). Natives, which are adapted to na...