We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) Presence is Associated with Reduced Diversity and Richness of Flowering Spring Flora in Central Kentucky.
- Authors
Sena, Kenton; Gauger, Lexi; Johnson, Trinity; Shirkey, Felicity; Caldbeck, William; Hammock, Jansen; Kim, Ashley; Mazza, Bella; Pethtel, Isabelle; Leuenberger, Wendy
- Abstract
Invasive plant species can have significant, adverse effects on forest ecosystems. By outcompeting native species for resources, invasive species suppress the richness and diversity of many forest communities. This study focuses on the associations of Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii Rupr.) with spring flora in Raven Run Nature Sanctuary in Lexington, Kentucky, where abundant L. maackii threatens native biodiversity. Plots were surveyed for percent herbaceous groundcover and abundance of flowering spring flora at three levels of L. maackii density (high, low, and no L. maackii). Results indicate that L. maackii abundance is associated with lower species richness, abundance, and early-season diversity of flowering native spring flora. Importantly, this study extends the existing robust literature evaluating the widespread effects of L. maackii to the Kentucky River Palisades, a sensitive and botanically important corridor in central Kentucky.
- Subjects
KENTUCKY; LEXINGTON (Ky.); BOTANY; HONEYSUCKLES; SPECIES diversity; FOREST biodiversity; INTRODUCED species; ECOSYSTEMS
- Publication
Natural Areas Journal, 2021, Vol 41, Issue 4, p249
- ISSN
0885-8608
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3375/20-41