What Causes the Crooked Growth of Trees on the Saskatchewan Hillside?

In summary: Maybe you have the answer to a mystery I found.The Crooked Forest is a fantasy woodland that comes straight from a fairy tale. It is the result of genetic mutation.
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hagar
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When a tree grows even at an angle on a hill side it mostly remains vertical . What is at play here to cause the vertical direction of growth ?

Thank you,

Pat Hagar
 
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  • #2
I bet it is something simple, such as the influence of gravity.
 
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And this shows that they may be able to grow wherever possible.
 
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Thanks to all for the information. The links were very informative. It would seem the behavior is controlled by both gravity and light however I have a difficult time considering gravity "simple", lol.

Respectfully,

Pat Hagar
 
  • #7
Silicon Waffle said:
And this shows that they may be able to grow wherever possible.
That is just odd. The guy must have been shining a flashlight down his throat to keep it lit. Is the guy so sure he didn't just swallow a bit of fir tree and thought it was a large bug?
 
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I did not see this thread until it 'diverged' from reality.

Plants have a phototropic and a geotropic response mediated by plant hormones (auxins). In the absence of light (think germination in the soil) gravity dictates up and down for the plant. When light becomes available, it takes precendence to some extent over gravity. This is why plants under a single light source will grow toward the light -> at an angle producing more leaves and branches on the "lit" side.

Severe environmental condtions also affect growth habit.

Krumholz and flag trees are the effect of either/or salt spray and strong very cold prevailing wind direction. See the pictures here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krummholz

Trees in arctic conditions are often nanistic, where the tree branches die back to beneath the snow-level. So you see dwarf trees that have fat, very short branches with lots of dead wood above a foot or so. http://www.flora.dempstercountry.org/V.A.2.Salicaceae/Salix.arcti/Salix.arcti.pic5.jpg

Witches broom is a disease condition of trees that affects tree growth - it looks like a bad hair day for the tree. The wood supporting some of these growths is called burl. It is prized for bowl turners. Causes vary but usually are related to insect vectors and environmental effects. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden....ests-and-problems/diseases/witches-broom.aspx
 
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  • #9
jim mcnamara said:
Krumholz and flag trees are the effect of either/or salt spray and strong very cold prevailing wind direction. See the pictures here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krummholz
Maybe you have the answer to a mystery I found.

Down near Point Pelee, on Lake Erie, there is a forest where a whole section of trees, most as much as a foot thick, whose trunks go straight up for about two feet, then veer 90 degrees to horizontal for another few feet, then turn vertical again. The deflections all point the same direction (I forget what compass heading).

My best guess is a heavy snowfall bent them all over when they were mere shoots, but they would have had to hold them there for several seasons to be as long as they are.

Ideas?
 
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Thanks again to all. This information adds a lot to what has already been posted.

Respectfully,

Pat Hagar
 
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  • #12
Genetic mutation is the reason given for the Saskatchewan's Crooked Bush, for an aspen oddity that grows in all directions.
http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~remphre/crooked.shtml
 

FAQ: What Causes the Crooked Growth of Trees on the Saskatchewan Hillside?

What causes trees to grow in a certain direction?

Trees grow in a certain direction due to a combination of environmental factors and internal mechanisms. The primary factor is the direction of sunlight, which typically leads to trees growing taller on one side to reach for more light. Other factors such as wind direction, gravity, and the presence of other nearby trees can also influence the direction of tree growth.

Can trees change their growth direction?

Yes, trees can change their growth direction over time. This is primarily due to changes in the surrounding environment, such as the direction of sunlight or the presence of obstacles. Trees can also change their growth direction in response to pruning or other forms of human intervention.

Do all trees grow straight up?

No, not all trees grow straight up. Some species, such as palm trees, grow in a curved or leaning shape. This can be due to the natural shape of the species or environmental factors such as wind or slope of the land.

How do scientists study the direction of tree growth?

Scientists use a variety of techniques to study the direction of tree growth. This can include measuring the angle of tree trunks and branches, using growth rings to track changes over time, and using specialized tools such as inclinometers or photogrammetry to measure the direction of growth with precision.

Can the direction of tree growth affect the health of the tree?

Yes, the direction of tree growth can have an impact on the health of the tree. If a tree is growing in an unnatural direction, it may be a sign of stress or damage. Additionally, if a tree is leaning or growing in a way that puts stress on its trunk or branches, it can make the tree more vulnerable to disease or damage.

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