Summary
Published in Canadian Journal of Plant Science 91: 725-738
Rhododendron groenlandicum (Oeder) Kron and Judd, bog Labrador tea, is an evergreen shrub from the Ericacae family native to North America. Bog Labrador tea is associated with the later stages of forest successions in black spruce forest stands of the boreal ecosystems with cool climates, but responds aggressively to forest openings where it is already present. In general, bog Labrador tea is associated with nutrient-poor, acidic soils, with drainage ranging from moist to wet. Layering is the main regeneration strategy of the species; evidence suggests that this could be especially true following disturbances that open the forest canopy. Sexual reproduction maintains viability in undisturbed communities through wind or water dispersal. Rhododendron groenlandicum acclimates more rapidly relative to black spruce after perturbations through a higher rate of resource utilization when resources are available. The species is a highly competitive shrub for soil nutrients; it competes with regenerating conifers for soil nitrogen and phosphorus. It can also assimilate organic nitrogen from the soil through its mycorhizae. These characteristics may lead to the formation of ericaceous heaths that can stay unforested indefinitely. However, this species can be eradicated by herbicides (glyphosate) and heavy site scarification can limit its propagation.
Sector(s):
Forests
Categorie(s):
Scientific Article
Theme(s):
Forestry Research, Forests, Silviculture
Departmental author(s):
Author(s)
HÉBERT, François et Nelson THIFFAULT
Year of publication :
2011
How to get the publication :
Keywords :
thé du Labrador, biologie des mauvaises herbes, adventice indigène, sylviculture des forêts naturelles résineuses, Rhododendron groenlandicum, Ledum groenlandicum, sylviculture et rendement des forêts naturelles - peuplements résineux, lédon du Groenland, article scientifique de recherche forestière, silviculture and yield of natural forests - softwood stands, bog Labrador tea, weed biology, native weed species
