Floristic Relationships and Dynamics of Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) Communities in Rhode Island

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Abstract
Cluster analysis of 9 hemlock stands in Rhode Island and eastern Connecticut (USA) resulted in 2 groups: a hemlock-white pine group and a hemlock-hardwoods group consisting of 2 sub-groups hemlock-chestnut oak and hemlock-mixed hardwoods. Hemlock is the most abundant species in the overstory and dominates regeneration in all stands. Age distribution of hemlock in all but 1 stand approaches an unevenaged condition. Seven out of the 9 stands studied show some evidence of disturbance including logging, windfall and possibly fire. Hemlock is the only species showing both growth releases and suppressions indicating great flexibility to respond to environmental events. Spatial distribution patterns show understory hemlocks are generally arranged in a contagious pattern and overstory hemlocks in a random pattern. The contagious arrangement of understory is attributed to sporadic reproduction in favorable locations, while the random distribution of overstory stems is related to tolerance to competition and ability to fill canopy openings.