Local phenological subtlety ?

[David Humphries]

Have witnessed this phenomenon a few times but given it little thought, but its particularly noticeable in this case.

 

A couple of (healthy) beech from earlier today, similar in size but not in timing of leaf burst.

Different genetic stock I would guess.

 

Any one else seeing this?

 

 

 

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[nepia]

A big difference there but could it not also be explained by some local environmental anomaly such as one tree being in light, well-drained soil and the other stuck in a lump of clay?

[David Humphries]

A big difference there but could it not also be explained by some local environmental anomaly such as one tree being in light, well-drained soil and the other stuck in a lump of clay?

 

 

same light levels, same elevation and no clay here that I know of.

Its predominantly chalk.

 

 

 

I'll try an get back and get another set of shots in a few days.

 

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[slack ma girdle]

Maybe one is having a bad hair day ?

[David Humphries]

Maybe one is having a bad hair day ?

 

perhaps the one in leaf uses more natural hair products

 

 

 

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[Alinicoll]

In the past I`ve noticed differences with same species at the top and bottom of hills opening at different times. No pictures though. I remember Hawthorn blossom doing that.

[felixthelogchopper]

One more exposed than the other, like a frost pocket for example?

[David Humphries]

I think its genetic, perhaps they're not from the same nursery and one comes from a more northerly provenance than the other.

 

 

 

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[sloth]

At Kew Gardens today I noticed this on several tree species. Often of the same age and side by side or in a group. I noticed it on oak in the conservation area, several species of birch, a group of wollemia (clones I think) and some exotic species I have forgotten! My thoughts at the time where it could be micro climate (it seemed trees, or even branches on the same tree, in the shade where lagging slightly) or stress related (trees nearer heavily used paths or with large branches previously removed where behind). None where as dramatic as your two beech though, good spot

[Gareth Dalzell]

We planted and have been looking after a group of 96 Quercus palustris. Planted size 30-35, in about 15 years now. All planted in 2 x 2 x3m deep tree pits, all the same soil source and after care. The difference is amazing in bud burst but especially leaf fall - around 4-5 weeks. Must be genetic variation?