11-24-15 Phenology Field Note

11-24-15 Phenology Field Note

November 24, 2015

Prairie Wolfe's phenology note shows western larch, fall emergence, and the effects of ungulate browse.

Phenology Field Note Western Larch, Fall Emergence, Ungulate Browse November 23, 2015 Prairie Wolfe

Phenology locations

In October, high elevations shined with the golden glow of western larch (Larix occidentalis, Baldy).

Showy fleabane often occurs in open woodlands. This species grew in two of our phenology plots but only exhibited fall emergence in one, despite close proximity and similar elevation (Erigeron speciosus, Baldy).

Woodland-star pokes forth from moistened soil. Three species of these small native perennials occur at MPG (Lithophragma spp.).

The anemone like leaves of a bitterroot stretch among rehydrated moss and lichen species (Lewisia rediviva, North Ridge).

The outer layer of earthstar mushrooms swell and split with increased humidity. Raindrops falling on the exposed inner sac scatter the spores (Geastrum spp., Native).

Delayed autumn rains stalled new growth and forced ungulates to find alternative food sources. This photo from early October shows a distinct browse line in a group of chokecherry shrubs (Prunus virginiana, Floodplain).

Previous Field Note

10-15-15 Phenology Field Note

Next Field Note

04-20-16 Phenology Field Note

What would you like to learn about?

11-24-15 Phenology Field Note

Block title