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Conifer Plantations
Description
From the late 1920s until the early 1990s, Black Rock Forest was the site of many forestry experiments. A few conifer plantations survive. These are all single-species stands, the trees planted in rows. The spruce plantings have formed dense stands with thick crowns. The understory is dark, and shrub and herb layers are very sparse or absent. The red pine plantations are more open but still have very sparse understory and a thick organic layer in the soil.
Spruce stand along Continental Road
Selected Plants
Trees
- Picea glauca (White spruce)
- Pinus resinosa (Red pine)
- Pinus strobus (White pine)
- Larix decidua (European larch)
Herbs
- Veronica officinalis (Speedwell)
- Dennsteadtia punctilobula (Hay-scented fern)
Occurrence
The largest plantings line Continental Road from Two Gates to the Stone House. Smaller plantings and remnants are scattered throughout the forest.
Ecology
The dense shade under conifers does not support an herb layer. The ground is usually covered by a thick carpet of old needles, which are slow to rot. Herbs grow only along the edges of some stands and in light gaps.
History
Different tree species were planted in the forest to find species that could be grown profitably in the dry uplands. Most of the plantings were made on abandoned farm fields. Stands of Asiatic chestnut, European larch, and Japanese larch were planted. They required considerable thinning and maintenance to keep native plants out and allow the cultivated trees to become established. Despite all the work, most of the planted stands failed.
Also Called
- Reschke (1990): Conifer plantations
Selected References
For general references see the reference page.
- Tryon, H. 1939. Ten year progress report 1928-1938. Black Rock Forest Bulletin 10.1-76.
Photos: Kerry Barringer