Bristlecone pine and Clark's Nutcracker: probable interaction in the White Mountains, California

Authors

Ronald M. Lanner, Utah State University
Harry E. Hutchins, Utah State University
Harriette A. Lanner, Utah State University

Abstract

Many bristlecone pines in the White Mountains, California, are members of multistem clumps. We propose that these clumps have arisen by multiple germinations from seed caches of Clark's Nutcracker, as occurs in several other pine species. The commonness of nutcrackers and their caching of singleleaf pinyon seeds in the study area provide supporting evidence. Other vertebrates appear unlikely to be responsible for the stem clumps. Seed burial may be required to establish regeneration on these adverse sites where bristlecone pine attains great longevity.

Recommended Citation

Lanner, Ronald M.; Hutchins, Harry E.; and Lanner, Harriette A. (1984) "Bristlecone pine and Clark's Nutcracker: probable interaction in the White Mountains, California," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 44: No. 2, Article 19.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol44/iss2/19