Phenology of perennial, native grass, belowground axillary buds in the northern mixed-grass prairie.

Premise Of The Study: Vegetative reproduction from belowground bud banks is the primary driver of grassland systems. Despite the importance of bud banks, the timing of recruitment and the crucial link between formation and maintenance is unknown.

Methods: We assessed patterns of belowground bud development, dormancy, and mortality associated with three perennial native grasses in the northern Great Plains.