View article

Species-specific growth rate and its response to interspecific competition can determine the winners and losers in forest stand development following disturbance. In the southeastern US, Chinese tallow [Triadica sebifera (L.) Small], a non-native, fast-growing, invasive tree readily displaces native species. However, its rapid early height growth may not compensate for its shorter ultimate stature and earlier senescence when competing with fast growing native tree species of larger stature and longer lifespans. In this study, we compared the growth and competitiveness of Chinese tallow to two native species, slash pine (Pinus elliottii Englem.) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.), using two datasets representing different spatial scales. Plot data from Parris Island, South Carolina obtained by conducting stem analyses, were used to determine height and diameter growth patterns in relation to age and …