Seasonal and lifetime allocation patterns of the woody goldenrod, Solidago pauciflosculosa Michaux. (Compositae)

Both seasonal and lifetime allocation patterns were determined for S. pauciflosculosa, a woody composite, by monitoring biomass loss and gain of each age class in a population for one year. Seasonal allocation patterns were typical of woody plants in stressed environments and did not differ significantly among different aged plants of the same reproductive status. The standing biomass of a mature individual was partitioned as follows: roots 15%, stems 55%, leaves 19%, and reproductive tissues 11%. Lifetime allocation to these particular tissues were 5%, 15%, 50%, and 30% respectively. Lifetime allocation to reproduction was similar to values for related annuals. The implications of these findings for energy allocation theory are discussed.