Nutritive Quality of Ceanothus Shrubs in California Mixed Conifer Forest
Kie JG. 1986. Nutritive Quality of Ceanothus Shrubs in California Mixed Conifer Forest. Journal of Range Management. 39(6):521-526
Ceanothus species are the primary food source of the California mule deer in the Sierra Nevada. Several Ceanothus species were collected during the summer and fall in the southern Sierra Nevada and analyzed for nutrients, energy components and crude protein. Samples were collected from shrubs that received full sunlight and those under a canopy cover. Forage quality declined overall as the summer progresses and summer forage was deficient in energy components and phosphorus. Precipitation appears to have more of an effect on forage quality than exposure to sun. Late summer forage deficiencies may have adverse affects on newly weaned fawns.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Kie, John
- Units
- SEKI
- Keywords
- ceanothus (Ceanothus), Nutrients, Plant Studies, Seasonality, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks CA