Aspen Association in Northern Lower Michigan

Abstract

1. The aspen association, a secondary one, is now the most extensively developed over the wide areas in the northern part of the lower peninsula of Michigan. 2. The association develops after the burning over of various associations. It occurs on each of the three prominent soil types. When on sandy upland soil it is dominated by Populus grandidentata, on clayey upland soil by Prunus pennsylvanica, and on lowland soils by Populus tremuloides. 3. The association is characterized by a large number of species. 4. Barring repeated fires, the association is likely to be replaced by the suitable forest association within 20-40 years, but with occasional fires it is perpetuated indefinitely. 5. Lowland conditions are most favorable to aspen exploitation in this region