Winter water relations of New England conifers and factors influencing their upper elevational limits. I. Measurements.

Abstract

The upper elevational limits of tree species are thought to be controlled by abiotic factors such as temperature and the soil and atmospheric conditions affecting plant water status. We measured relative water contents (RWC), water potentials (Psi) and cuticular conductances (g(c)) of shoots of four conifer species-eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.), eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.), red pine (P. resinosa Ait.) and red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.)-during two winters on Mt. Ascutney, Vermont, USA. Some micrometeorological measurements are also reported. Eastern hemlock and white pine were studied near their upper elevational limits at a 640-m site, and red pine was studied near its upper elevational limit at 715 m. Red spruce was also studied at the 715-m site, which is in the middle of its elevational range on this mountain. There was no evidence of winter desiccation stress in any species. The observed distribution of seedlings suggested that the upper elevational limits on shade-intolerant eastern white pine and red pine are set by the absence of suitable seed beds after 100 years without fire. Eastern hemlock is able to reproduce in deep shade on organic substrates, but germination at high elevations may be restricted by low temperatures.