Clonal growth inAilanthus altissimaon a natural site in West Virginia

Abstract.: The exotic treeAilanthus altissimais usually confined to open sites. As an exception,Ailanthusestablished in a densely closed forest in West Virginia, which was analyzed with the aim to elucidate possible pathways of persistence in forest succession of this light‐demanding pioneer species. Demographic analysis revealed a seedling mortality of 100 %. Instead, the understory is populated by clonal ramets, ranging from one to more than 19 yr of age, with a mean of 5 yr. Growth averages only 0.11 m/yr, and height is correlated with age. This clonal growth contrasts with the performance ofAilanthuson open sites. The possible ecological benefits of establishing a ramet bank in a resource‐poor habitat are considered in terms of space occupation of a pioneer species.