Ed, My pine barrens field guide says that Quercus ilicifolia has two common names- bear oak and scrub oak, so we are both correct on the common names. One of the most common shrub layer plants here is Bracken. I think the pine seeds and acorns germinate in the spring or early summer, when Bracken is only just coming up, so I don't think Bracken inhibits their growth or germination. Barry
--- On Wed, 7/15/09, Edward Frank <[email protected]> wrote: From: Edward Frank <[email protected]> Subject: [ENTS] Re: Marion Brooks Natural Area, Elk County, PA To: [email protected] Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2009, 7:59 AM Barry, Thanks for confirming the ID. It really makes sense because the area was created by fire events and there is also an association with Pitch Pine here also. I called it Bear Oak because that is what my Audubon Guide called it. I listed the Latin name as I know it is called by several different names in different areas. I am still unsure about the lack of regeneration. The dominant trees are ones that grew right after the fire sequences, maybe we need another fire at the site to get them to regrow. I would think however that eighty to a hundred years would have created enough organic soil for other species to be sprouting. Does anyone know if the common bracken fern somehow inhibits the growth of tree seedlings? Ed "The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science." - Albert Einstein --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Eastern Native Tree Society http://www.nativetreesociety.org Send email to [email protected] Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/entstrees?hl=en To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
