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Name: Nolia P.
Status: other
Age: 60s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2001-2002
Question:
I want to write an article for children on wild flower dormancy. We cleared several acres of mature alder trees, 40 to 60 years old, or more. After a few years, wild iris began appearing and proliferated. Then came three Adder's Tongue (Pink/white.) These have rhizomes. Seven years following the clearing, we counted 11 Turk's-cap Lily plants (related to Tiger Lilies,) wild columbine and lupine. We estimate roots and bulbs lie dormant under the crowding of the alders for perhaps 40 years. This is on the Oregon Coast. Information on dormancy is rare- at least this type of dormancy. Why don't roots and bulbs decay after so long a time? I am researching other sources but any help you can give is appreciated.

Replies:
The following may be helpful:

http://www.actahort.org/books/482/482_4.htm

Anthony R. Brach, Ph.D.


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