FunRoots: Root and leaf traits of tree seedlings of seven species in Eastern Canadian Forests

This dataset supports a study on root trait variability in seedlings of seven co-occurring tree species from temperate forests in Eastern North America (Canada). It comprises 338 individual measurements of eight root traits—spanning system-level, morphological, and architectural categories—along with one foliar trait. The traits measured are: Root-to-Shoot Ratio, Maximum Rooting Depth, Proportion of Absorptive Roots, Root Tissue Density, Specific Root Length, Average Diameter of Absorptive Roots, Root Branching Density, and Specific Leaf Area. Trait data were collected from seedlings of seven tree species under contrasting climate and light conditions across three regions in Quebec and Ontario during the summer of 2024 (between July 29 and August 9). The selected species include two gymnosperms and five angiosperms: Abies balsamea (L.) Mill., Pinus strobus L., Acer saccharum Marshall, Acer rubrum L., Betula alleghaniensis Britton, Betula papyrifera Marshall, and Quercus rubra L. Sampling followed a hierarchical nested design. Fourteen study plots (each approximately 1,250 m²) were established under two contrasting light conditions (open vs. closed sites) and nested within three…

Publisher

Natural Resources Canada

Resources

8

Catalogue metadata updated

2026-07-03