Exotic plant species in the southern boreal forest of Saskatchewan |
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| Authors: | WH Sumners OW Archibold |
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| Institution: | 1. MDH Engineered Solutions, 232-111 Research Drive, Saskatoon, Sask., Canada S7N 3R2;2. Department of Geography, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Sask., Canada S7N 5A5 |
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| Abstract: | Exotic species possess abilities to harm the ecosystems they invade. This study assesses the density, frequency and cover of exotic plants in roadside right-of-ways, logged areas and wildfire sites within mixedwood sections of the southern boreal forest of Saskatchewan. A total of 23 exotic species were observed including nine species of Gramineae, seven species of Leguminosae and five species of Compositae. Average density of exotic species in areas recently disturbed by timber harvesting or wildfire was 0.2 stems m−2 with a frequency of 72%. Exotic species adapted for wind dispersal were best represented including common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), perennial sow thistle (Sonchus arvensis) and annual hawksbeard (Crepis tectorum). Only two exotic species, T. officinale and Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa), were observed in mature forest; both occurred with a frequency of 13% and an average density of 0.002 stems m−2. A total of 22 exotic species was found in the right-of-ways quadrats with an average density of 117 stems m−2 and a frequency of 94%. The most frequently observed exotic species in the roadside right-of-way areas were T. officinale, alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum), S. arvensis, creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra) and smooth brome grass (Bromus inermis). These species are either common agricultural weeds or were part of the original seed mixture used to establish a plant cover in the roadside right-of-ways. |
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| Keywords: | Boreal forest Disturbance Exotic plants Forest management Invasive species Roadside right-of-ways Saskatchewan |
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