Habitat Requirements and Growth of Striped Maple (Acer Pensylvanicum L.)

Surveys of distribution and habitat characteristics, growth patterns, and growth in recently logged areas of striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum L.) were made in western Massachusetts, USA. Highest densities at a given altitude were found on mesic sites on middle and upper slopes. Density increased with increasing slope and altitude but was not affected by aspect or light conditions. Ninety percent of the striped maples were found in the northern hardwood—hemlock forest type although the type covered only 52% of the study area. Optimum height growth occurred at intermediate light intensities, on higher and more northerly slopes, and on mesic sites. Half of the plants in the nonlogged areas were growing <3 cm/yr in height. In logged areas, 75% of the plants present before overstory removal were released by removal, but most subsequent new seedlings were suppressed. The distribution and growth patterns of striped maple suggest that it is a gap—phase replacement species that utilizes temporary forest openings for growing space.