Sprouting and seedling establishment in plains silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana Pursh. ssp. cana)

Authors

C. L. Wambolt, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
T. P. Walton, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
R. S. White, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Station, Miles City, Montana

Abstract

The importance and nature of vegetative reproduction was compared with seedling establishment in plains silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana Pursh. ssp. cana). Sixty-three percent of plants excavated originated from rhizomes. Sites that experienced habitat disturbance did not have a significantly different number of plants originating from vegetative reproduction than did undisturbed sites. Parent rhizomes were significantly older than taproots, which were significantly older than aboveground stems. Rhizome systems were spread 3.3 times that of plant height. Seventy-nine percent of rhizomatous daughter plants were 100 cm or less from parent plants. Up to 52 sprouts were found on one rhizome. Seedling establishment was greatest during wet growing seasons, and vegetative reproduction was greatest during dry years.

Recommended Citation

Wambolt, C. L.; Walton, T. P.; and White, R. S. (1990) "Sprouting and seedling establishment in plains silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana Pursh. ssp. cana)," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 50: No. 3, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol50/iss3/3