Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis L.) distribution and supply on the Waynesville watershed in western North Carolina

by 1981- Braly, Jill Marie

BRALY, JILL MARIE. Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis L.) Distribution and Supply on the Waynesville Watershed in Western North Carolina. (Under the direction of Frederick W. Cubbage and Erin Sills). Inventory data from nine stands of bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis L.) on the Waynesville watershed in Western North Carolina are analyzed to determine distribution and supply of the resource. Inventory data analysis and a review of the relevant literature explore the potential for bloodroot to be harvested sustainably as a non-timber forest product in Southern Appalachia. Additional qualitative analyses of several forests in North Carolina provide a context for interpreting the data collected on the Waynesville watershed and a means for comparing harvested stands with protected stands. Statistical analysis of 174 bloodroot rhizomes reveals that stem height and stem diameter are good predictors of belowground biomass. Results may be used to guide management and monitoring of natural bloodroot populations. Sampling took place in June through August of 2006 in Western North Carolina and data analysis examines the relationships between stand characteristics and characteristics of the tree overstory. There is a high degree of variability between the nine stands and mean bloodroot stand densities range from 2.1 to 35.417 plants per square meter. Stand sizes vary from 5.28 to 47,400 square meters. Projections based on the data and forest type maps estimate that only 0.5 to 1.8 percent of the Southern Appalachian region supports bloodroot growth. Comparisons between forests suggest that natural populations subject to harvesting face population decline. Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis L.) Distribution and Supply on the Waynesville Watershed in Western North Carolina by Jill Marie Braly A thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty of North Carolina State University In partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree of Master of Science Forestry Raleigh, NC 2007 Approved by: __________________________________ __________________________________ Dr. Frederick Cubbage Dr. Erin Sills Co-chair of Advisory Committee Co-chair of Advisory Committee __________________________________ Dr. Rob Dunn