Seed dormancy and germination characteristics of common alder (Alnus glutinosa L.) indicate some potential to adapt to climate change in Britain

In today's climate, the above dormancy and germination characteristics minimize autumn germination and stimulate earlier and more synchronous emergence over a wider range of temperatures the following spring. But, it is interesting to note that they also illustrate how a proportion of the population will survive every sequence/combination of climate change that can be envisaged. For example, if climate change brings about longer, warmer autumns in the UK, then more seeds are likely to germinate before winter, and if the subsequent winter is also warmer, shorter or both, then these seedlings will thrive into the next spring. But even if a spell of sub-zero winter temperatures kills the delicate seedlings, there will always be a few seeds that remain dormant into the winter, benefit from the cold snap and emerge the following spring.