Fall Phenology of Invasive Shrubs of Southeast Michigan

Invasive shrubs are a growing problem in Michigan forests. One hypothesis of how these species that are seemingly adapted to open, high light environments manage to survive in understory conditions is through an extended... [ view full abstract ]

Invasive shrubs are a growing problem in Michigan forests. One
hypothesis of how these species that are seemingly adapted to open, high
light environments manage to survive in understory conditions is
through an extended growing season. While spring phenology has been
extensively studied, the long period of extended fall phenology, where
shrubs may continue to photosynthesize for weeks or even months after
canopy leaf fall, is less well documented. Using a comparison of native
and invasive shrubs at Adrian College's Walden West Biological Station,
we compare the extended period of leaf presence of these plants.

This work required critical thinking to develop methodology to measure phenology and to analyze and interpret the data. The conservation implications of invasive species means that the results have implications for Caring for Humanity and the World.