Presence of non-native vascular flora in Prince Edward Island's remnant Acadian forest

The upland hardwood component of Prince Edward Island's Acadian forest is among the best remaining examples of PEI's pre-colonial landscape, but there has been no assessment of the presence of exotic species in these areas. Three 300 metre long edge to interior transects were established in each of six Acadian forest study areas. Nine 100 m2 circular plots were sampled along each transect at distances from 5.7 to 300 metres; one external plot was established at each transect to sample species in adjacent (non forest) habitats. In each plot, all vascular plants were identified, a visual estimate of percent cover was made, and soil temperature, canopy cover and tree diameters were measured. The results show that there is an edge-to-interior plant community gradient within these forests, and suggest that interior conditions are not reached until a distance of more than 120 metres from an edge. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).