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A man and two women put up fencing in a wooded area.

Learning about trillium growth in western PA 

Dr. Autumn Sabo’s latest research project is a study of the factors that inhibit the growth of trillium, a “really pretty, showy wildflower” that is popular. But many people believe it’s becoming sparse in our landscape because it’s being eaten by deer, Sabo, an assistant professor of biology, said. 
Are snacking deer the reason for fewer flowers? 

MONACA — Peek down into the woods along the north side of campus behind the softball field and you’ll notice fenced-off areas. 
The fences are part of Dr. Autumn Sabo’s latest research project: a study of the factors that inhibit the growth of trillium.  

Trillium is a “really pretty, showy wildflower” that is popular, but many people believe it’s becoming sparse in our landscape because it’s being eaten by deer, Sabo, an assistant professor of biology at Penn State Beaver, said. 

However, through previous research involving deer fences, Sabo realized there may be other factors affecting trillium growth beside the snacking deer. 

“That made me wonder if a lot of why we’re seeing that big difference inside and outside the fences is actually because there are changes in things like shade or competition for below-ground resources,” Sabo said. “How much of this issue is really because the deer are eating it, and how much is because of competition for above- and below-ground resources?” 

Research began last year with preparation work. The fences were installed in December, and trillium was planted inside the fences in March.  

By fencing areas in the woods, Sabo can keep the deer at bay and control the environment to determine what else may affect the trillium’s growth. Inside the fences she can manipulate the light, water and nutrients the trillium will get. Some areas will be shady but have no root competition while other areas will have light but will have root competition.  

Mike DiRinaldo, a natural resource specialist with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, helped with the installation of the fences on campus. “We’re also looking at trillium as an umbrella species,” he said. “Are there other plants that might be affected by the same things?” 

Sabo said she plans to continue the project through at least the summer of 2023 to study the trillium growth through two growing seasons.