Ecology of invasive Melilotus albus on Alaskan glacial river floodplains
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Open Access Version: Publisher Index Page
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Melilotus albus (white sweetclover) has invaded Alaskan glacial river floodplains. We measured cover and density of plant species and environmental variables along transects perpendicular to the Nenana, Matanuska, and Stikine Rivers to study interactions between M. albus and other plant species and to characterize the environment where it establishes. Melilotus albus was a pioneer species on recently disturbed sites and did not persist into closed canopy forests. The relationships between M. albus cover and density and other species were site-specific.Melilotus albus was negatively correlated with native species Elaeagnus commutata at the Nenana River, but not at the Matanuska River. Melilotus albus was positively correlated with the exotic species Crepis tectorumand Taraxacum officinale at the Matanuska River and T. officinale on the upper Stikine River. However, the high density of M. albus at a lower Stikine River site was negatively correlated with T. officinale and several native species including Lathyrus japonicus var. maritimus and Salix alaxensis. Glacial river floodplains in Alaska are highly disturbed and are corridors for exotic plant species movement. Melilotus albus at moderate to low densities may facilitate establishment of exotic species, but at high densities can reduce the cover and density of both exotic and native species.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Ecology of invasive Melilotus albus on Alaskan glacial river floodplains |
| Series title | Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research |
| DOI | 10.1657/1938-4246-43.3.343 |
| Volume | 43 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Year Published | 2011 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research |
| Description | 12 p. |
| Larger Work Title | Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research |
| First page | 343 |
| Last page | 354 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Other Geospatial | Matanuska River, Nenana River, Stikine River |
| Online Only (Y/N) | N |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |