Shade Tolerance as Reflected in Population Structures of the Woody Weed, Groundsel Bush (Baccharis halimifolia L.)

Abstract

Previously documented shade tolerance in establishing seedlings of groundsel bush (Baccharis halimifolia L.) was reflected in the similarity of the size structures of populations growing within slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. ellottii Engelm.) stands of differing ages. The accumulation of litter appeared to be the dominant factor leading to the cessation of seedling recruitment following canopy closure. Evidence for self-thinning obtained from the B. halimifolia population occuring within the younger pine stand provided an indication that the carrying capacity of the site was approached fairly early in the rotation.