Life History and Disturbance Response of Prunus pensylvanica (Pin Cherry)
Family: Rosaceae
Guild: pioneer, fast growing, short-lived, shade intolerant
Functional Lifeform: small deciduous tree
Ecological Role: A fast growing, short lived pioneers species that is important for reestablishing forests after fire, it quickly forms a closed canopy providing shade for seedlings of other tree species. It inhabits most wooded areas in the eastern portion of its range and along rivers in the western prairies. Pin cherry fruit is eaten by a wide variety of wildlife.
Lifespan, yrs (typical/max): 30/40yrs
Shade Tolerance: intolerant
Height, m: 12m
Canopy Tree: yes
Pollination Agent: insects
Seeding, yrs (begins/optimal/declines): 4/15/30
Mast Frequency, yrs: 1 yr
New Cohorts Source: seeds or sprouts
Flowering Dates: spring
Seedfall Begins: summer
Seed Banking: 50-150yrs
Cold Stratification Required: yes
Seed Type/Dispersal Distance/Agent: fruit/50m/gravity
Season of Germination: variable
Seedling Rooting System: shallow lateral
Sprouting: root suckers common
Establishment Seedbed Preferences:
Substrate: variable
Light: open conditions only
Moisture: moist required
Temperature: a dramatic temperature fluctuation, signaling the removal of the overstory, increases germinations
Disturbance Response:
Fire: Pin cherry seeds located in the soil are some of the first to germinate and grow after fire. Pin cherry is a very important reforesting agent following fire.
Weather:
Air Pollution:
Exotics: