Interference of black cherry by ground flora of the Allegheny uplands

Abstract

Herbaceous ground flora species of the Northeast are reported to interfere with the growth of seedlings of black cherry (Prunusserotina Ehrh.). To examine this hypothesis, vegetation removal experiments with paired plots were conducted on hayscented fern (Dennstaedtiapunctilobula Michx.) and whorled wood aster (Asteracuminatus Michx.) dominated areas beneath a black cherry overstory following a shelterwood seed cut on the Allegheny uplands of central New York. Complete removal of fern stimulated black cherry germination, height growth, and species diversity increase after two growing seasons. Removal of aster produced the same effect in the first growing season. At the end of 4 years, black cherry growing beneath aster was twice as tall as black cherry of the same age growing beneath fern. Allelochemicals produced by fern, competition for soil nitrogen and forest microsites, and the detrimental effects of reduced light intensity beneath dense fern cover on black cherry physiology are advanced as possible modes of interference of hayscented fern with black cherry seedling growth.