Population dynamics of Fassett's Locoweed
Growth and reproduction
Long-term population survival depends on every stage of the life cycle, from seedling establishment to growth and survival, back again to seed production.
Spatial distribution
Plants are found mostly along bands of shoreline that are the same distance from water. (In the image above, circles show the relative population density in different areas.) Plants can suffer drastic consequences if they are too close or too far from the lake.
Hydrology
Because plants are found on lakes with sandy soil, water level in a given year depends upon the level of groundwater in the area. We are studying to see how groundwater affects survival and reproduction.