Topping Stimulates Bitterbrush Twig Growth

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Abstract
The response of old bitterbrush (Purshia tri-dentata) shrubs to topping was studied on winter range for deer in southwestern Idaho. Tops of 15 randomly selected shrubs at least 6 ft tall were cut of 3 ft above ground level; 15 similar shrubs were selected as a control. Current year''s growth was sampled on each shrub before topping and and annually thereafter for 4 years. All shrubs produced similar amounts of twig growth the year before treatment. The year after treatment, topped shrubs produced nearly 9 times as much twig growth as the control shrubs. In subsequent years, topped shrubs outproduced control shrubs but at a declining rate. Topping old shrubs may be a useful, though perhaps temporary, way to increase production of bitterbrush browse [on mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) winter ranges].

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