Invasion and Development of Beaked Hazel in Red Pine Stands in Northern Minnesota

Invasion of red pine stands in northern Minnesota by beaked hazel occurred mainly by seeding, and dense undergrowths were formed by a coalescence of many individual clones (about 2,000/acre). In young undergrowths, where beaked hazel was becoming established, 25—43% of the individuals were in the seedling stage under 12 years old, and 72—92% of the clones were under 20 years old. Clonal development, which is slow and limited, begins with the initiation of underground stems when seedlings are 7—12 years old. From 46% to 73% of the clones were only 30 cm in diameter or under, and the largest clone (over 30 years old) occupied an area of only 1.2 by 1.8 m. The control of beaked hazel undergrowth made be possible by light burning while the plant is in the seedling and young clonal stage and by controlling seed source.