Abstract

ABSTRACT:

Quercus marilandica is distributed widely across the eastern United States, but dwarfed specimens (<3.4 m in height) are found where tree growth is limited by nutrient-poor soils. Few studies have explored the tree rings of Q. marilandica, with no research examining tree rings of any dwarfed species of tree in the U.S. In this report, we examine the climate-growth response of dwarfed Q. marilandica sampled on a sandstone bluff in central Illinois. This is one of the first attempts at identifying the climate-growth response of Q. marilandica and any dwarfed tree species in the U.S. Ring widths positively correlated with the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index, and dew point, and negatively correlated with summer maximum temperature and vapor pressure deficit. The results of a moving-window analysis suggest that the influence of climate variability has become more important to radial growth in the past thirty-plus years. Our results indicate that dwarfed Q. marilandica are sensitive to hot, dry summers, making future projections of increased temperatures and drought a concern. Our findings suggest that future conditions could increase the vulnerability of dwarfed populations of trees.

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