Natural Establishment of Aspen from Seed on a Phosphate Mine Dump

Abstract

The natural reproduction of aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) from seed was discovered on a phosphate mine dump in southeastern Idaho. Aspen seedlings were found growing on areas that were essentially bare except for scattered plantings of containerized shrubs and trees. Aspen survival and growth was monitored for 4 growing seasons. Seedling density varied from 2 to 10 per m2, seedling heights varied from 16 to 81 cm, and survival rate was 73% at the end of 4 growing seasons. No changes in the number of seedlings were noted after the second growing season.