Western distribution of Platanus occidentalis L. in Oklahoma

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: Determine the Western Distribution of Platanus occidentalis L. in Oklahoma. This was accomplished by making trips into Love, Carter, Murray, Garvin, McClain, Cleveland, Pontotoc, Seminole, Pottawatomie, Lincoln, Logan, Payne, Pawnee, Kay, and Grant Counties. Collections were made to verify the location. A distribution map of plant collected and they are on deposit in the Bebb Herbarium of the University of Oklahoma. A study was made of the unpublished Paper of the Ecology of the Bottomland of Oklahoma by Rice (1962).

Findings and Conclusions: P. occidentalis L. are found along most of the creeks and rivers in the eastern half of the counties above. More abundant growth is along larger and wider creeks and rivers in the counties mentioned. P. occidentalis L. are found growing with other species of trees. Few young trees were found in the narrow creeks. More trees were growing on limestone soils. P. occidentalis L. are found to be more abundant to the east of the distribution found in this paper.