Leaf area differences associated with old-growth forest communities in the western Oregon Cascades

Total leaf area varied from 20 to 42 m2/m2 in 250- to 450-year-old forest communities developed under different temperature and moisture conditions. The largest values were in communities at midelevations where winter snowpack accumulated and growing-season temperatures were cool. Shrub and herb leaf area varied from 3% to 14% of the total. Equations for converting from foliage biomass to surface area are included for most species encountered.