Devising an ageing technique for <i>Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana</i> near Crested Butte, Colorado
Abstract
Due to climatic changes, sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana) is likely to increase its elevational range in the Rocky Mountains, which could have significant effect on alpine communities. Little is known about the demographics of sagebrush populations, partially due to difficulties in ageing plants. This study examines the relationship between age and various physical attributes of sagebrush at four sites along an elevational gradient near Crested Butte, Colorado. We found the best correlations between age and diameter, although it is unclear how well these could be used to age sagebrush in the field. There was very little variation in ages across the sites, with most sites having plants as old as 45-55 years. However, the second lowest site was significantly younger than the rest of the sites, with the oldest plant only 33 years old. This is most likely due to heavy grazing at this site that is not present at any of the other sites. A general trend of increased ring widths at lower elevations was also noticed.
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