DOI: 10.5061/dryad.j0t179b
title: Data from: Local adaptation of trees at the range margins impact range shifts in the face of climate change

description: The ability of tree species to track their climatic niche at rates
 comparable to global warming is concerning, particularly if they are
 constrained by local adaptation. If a species is locally adapted at its
 range margin it could be beneficial for range expansion as it ensures that
 the genotypes colonizing new areas are the fittest because environmental
 conditions are more similar to the current ones. In trees, local
 adaptation can slow range expansion when climate change happens much
 faster than their ability to migrate. We investigate experimentally a
 series of factors thought to constrain the seedling phase at the leading
 edge of the distribution of a dominant tree species, sugar maple (Acer
 saccharum Marshall.). We established a seed transplant experiment using
 six provenances, representing the latitudinal species range, and
 transplanted them to 12 sites within, at, and beyond the current northern
 species range margin. Northern provenances currently provide the best
 opportunity for establishment beyond the actual range, where climatic
 conditions are more similar than those of the warmer central or southern
 portions of the species range. While establishment was highest within the
 species range, survival rates were comparable to those at the range margin
 and beyond, regardless of provenance. We also find that the local climate
 is the most influential factor for early seedling establishment and
 survival; however, a lack of suitable microsites also significantly
 constrained recruitment. Our study highlights the complex interaction
 between provenance, climate, and microsite conditions that are required to
 ensure successful seedling recruitment. While sugar maple is currently
 displaying evidence for local adaptation to facilitate range shifts, it
 could risk maladaptation in the future if the local climate warms beyond
 threshold required to ensure seed germination and a lack of favourable
 microsite conditions beyond the range.
description: plotThis .csv file includes
 the raw data for the plot level assessment. The following information is
 included: site: Transplant site moss: % cover of moss leaf: % cover of
 deciduous leaves needles: % cover of evergreen needles rock: % cover of
 rock soft: % cover of soft or decomposed wood hard: % cover of hard wood
 exposed: % cover of exposed soil or other pH: soil pHseedweightThis .csv file includes the raw data used for the analysis in this experiment exploring seed performance. Below is a description of each of the variables used origin: The seed origin or provenance from where the seed was collected. There were 6 different seed origins that were used in this study (N2: Rivière-du-Loup, N1: Montmagny, C2: Sherbrooke, C1: Pennsylvania, S2: Kentucky, and S1: Tennessee). Weight: Mass (in grams) of seed lot (150 seeds).transplantThis .csv file includes the raw data used for the analysis in this experiment that explored the macroscale effect by bioclimatic zone (temperate, mizedwood, and boreal) and seed origin or provenance. The following information is provided: stand: The dominant stand type where the seeds were transplanted (boreal, mixed, and temperate). site: The transplant site where the seeds were transplanted. origin: The seed origin or provenance from where the seed was collected. There were 6 different seed origins used in this study (N2: Rivière-du-Loup, N1: Montmagny, C2: Sherbrooke, C1: Pennsylvania, S2: Kentucky, and S1: Tennessee). first: The number of first year seedlings (count data) second: The number of second year seedlings (count data) survival: The proportion of first year seedlings surviving to the second year (second/first=survival).