Data from: Eco-evolutionary dynamics at the altitudinal limit of a transcontinental boreal conifer

A MSExcel spreadsheet including data used to estimate wing loading, seed germination probability, minimal stand age, and historical occurrences of fire in white spruce (Picea glauca) sample plots in northeastern North America. Plots were sampled at three elevations along altitudinal gradients (alpine tundra, subalpine treeline, montane forest) and one plot was sampled in a lowland site. Mount Jauffret and Mount Provencher, are in the Uapishka range (Manicouagan region, Québec) within the black spruce-feathermoss bioclimatic domain. Mount Jacques-Cartier and Mount Richardson are in the McGerrigle range (Gaspé Peninsula, Québec) within the balsam fir-white birch bioclimatic domain. Bic National Park (Lower St.Lawrence region) is a lowland forest site in the white spruce range core.<br>## Description of the Data and file structure---<br>Sheet 1 (Metadata) - Provides details about the sample plots: Sampling date, Mountain range, Mountain, Elevational zone, Sample plot code, Altitude expressed in meters above sea level, Latitude expressed in decimal degrees north, Longitude expressed in decimal degrees west.<br>Sheet 2 (Trees) - Trees sampled. For each plot, cones were collected on at least 10 white spruce (Picea glauca) individuals randomly selected (wherever possible). Trees sampled were identified with a number associated with its sample plot. Altitude expressed in meters above sea level, diameter at breast height (DBH) expressed in centimeters, and sampling date are provided.<br>Sheet 3 (Cones) - For each plot, a total of 10 female white spruce cones was collected on at least 10 individuals randomly selected (wherever possible). All winged seeds were removed from the cones, of which 10 were randomly selected. Each tree, cone and seed sampled were identified with a number and associated with the sample plot name. The length of each cone was measured (cm). Number of seeds was counted to a maximum of 100 (x indicates more than 100 seeds). Wing area (mm) and seed mass (mg and ug) were measured and the ratio (mass/area) representing wing loading was calculated.<br>Sheet 4 (Germination) - Five weighed seeds per cone were randomly selected to assess germination potential. Each tree, cone and seed were identified with a number and associated with its sample plot. Successful seed germination was noted by yes (Y) or no (N) and the number of days before germination was reported for germinated seeds.<br>Sheet 5 (Charcoal) - Each soil sample was identified with a number and associated with its sample plot. The number of charcoal particles extracted from each soil sample is reported.<br>Sheet 6 (Tree age) - Each cored tree was identified with a number and associated with its sample plot. Minimal tree age (in year 2020) was estimated by the number of tree rings counted on each increment core.