The recent coldsnap combined with below-average snowpack in the Prince George area stresses many of plants in the region, but the picture is bigger than that.
Dr. Lisa Wood, Plant Biologist and Associate Professor at UNBC, told CFUR News that snow provides an insulative layer over the ground where roots spread,. Meanwhile, a concerning lack of snow affects many species in the area, especially to the east. For those stressed, their spring/summer response of plants will vary between dying, focusing on repairing the damage incurred before flowering, or even bearing more fruit than usual at the end of their growing season.
Factors like insect infestation and fire are an increased risk in these conditions. However, some annual plants currently dormant as a seed may have an opportunity, benefitting from either a lack of competition from other plants typically thriving in more average conditions, enjoying more sunlight due to a sparser forest canopy, or assisted by the drier soil.
