Black Cohosh Presence and Abundance Relative to Environmental Gradients Nicole Hupp- Regis University, Denver, Colorado Dr. Luben Dimov- Alabama A & M University, Normal, Alabama A National Science Foundation- REU Funded Study July 25, 2008

What is black cohosh? Black cohsoh (Actea racemosa) is a hardy perennial native to eastern and southeastern United States and southern portion of Canada Typically found at about 1-3 feet in height Contains bolts (flowering structures) Strong, distinct odor

The significance of black cohosh Known for its medicinal properties Historically used to treat a variety of issues Currently used by women in the US and Europe for relief from menopausal complaints Perhaps a safer alternative to hormone replacement therapy

Study Relevance Due to increase in popularity over the last decade, value of black cohosh has increased Price peaked in 2000 at $14-17/lb. (ASI, 2001) Nearly 97% of black cohosh used harvested from the wild (Lyke, 2001) No quantitative studies on its ecological requirements

Objectives Determine the relationship between black cohosh abundance and flowering performance environmental variables Test hypotheses indicated by other studies concerning black cohosh habitat

Hypotheses Black cohosh plot cover is not related to the studied environmental variables, including canopy cover, tree basal area, stand stocking, and soil moisture Black cohosh will be found only on northeast facing slopes that are well drained and significantly shaded

Site Description Plots established in Jack Gap, Jackson County, AL (Cumberland Plateau) (34° 56' " N, 86° 5' “) Located on escarpments of plateau with deep, loamy soils that have moderately low fertility and are well drained (Smalley, 1982) Most slopes range from 15 to 30 percent (Smalley, 1982)

Methods We used systematic sampling by establishing transects along elevation gradient of the plateau escarpment We selected circular plots (r=5 m, plot area=78.5 m 2 ) located at points along transects that contained black cohosh Locations visible from but not on transects were studied if we encountered black cohosh in them

Statistical Analysis Only basic statistical methods were used up to this point Reported is only minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation, and preliminary multiple linear regression results We will carry out more complex analysis with multiple linear regression and non- parametric ordination

Dependent Variables Black cohosh plot cover Number of bolts (flowering structures) on the plot

Environmental Characteristics Studied Microtopography Soil ph Percent soil moisture Aspect Tree basal area Photosynthetically Active Radiation Slope Canopy cover

Results Standard DevAverageMinimumMaximum Cohosh Cover (m 2 /plot) # Cohosh Plants/plot Number Flowering Bolts/plot Basal Area (ft 2 /ac) Percent Open Canopy North Percent Open Canopy South Percent Open Canopy East Percent Open Canopy West Total Percent Open Canopy Aspect Adjust w/ Beers Only basic statistics reported at this time; more complex analysis is being performed

Results Regression with number of bolts as the dependent variable and aspect as predictor Regression with cohosh cover as dependent variable and slope as predictor

Discussion Black cohosh has been previously reported to only be found on northeastern facing slope We found it to be more of a generalist Beneficial knowledge for those wanting to plant or harvest black cohosh from the wild

Future Research Further explore relationships between black cohosh and environmental characteristics Use multiple linear regression Consider non-linear relationships and ordination techniques to see relationship of predictors and amount of cohosh and number of flowering bolts

Interesting Facts On several plots black cohosh was found under black walnut despite allelopathic effects American chestnut occurrence

Acknowledgements Dr. Luben Dimov National Science Foundation’s REU Grant Alabama A & M University USDA Forest Service Regis University The State of Alabama’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Dawn Lemke Lynne Weninegar Dr. Yong Wang