Analysis.xlsx

We investigated relationships between belowground growth ring ontogeny, starch content, and aboveground phenology in two southern U.S. tallgrass prairie perennial forb species, <i>Asclepias viridis</i> and <i>Lespedeza stuevei</i>, making monthly excavations for a year. Belowground xylogenesis began when starch reserves were at their seasonal low in the spring as shoots reached maximum height. The highest relative radial growth of the ring occurred concurrently with replenishment of root starch reserves in early summer. Xylogenesis concluded with leaf senescence in late summer and belowground starch reserves near saturation.