Intraspecific Functional Trait Variation and Coordination in Schizachyrium scoparium

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Plant Biology
• Restoration Ecology

Background:

• Plant functional traits are key to ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation.
• Understanding trait variation, especially within species, is critical for effective restoration frameworks.
• Coordination between above- and below-ground traits is often unknown, complicating trait-based restoration.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate intraspecific trait variation in five populations of *Schizachyrium scoparium* (little bluestem).
• Determine how functional trait variation is structured among and within populations.
• Analyze the coordination of above- and below-ground traits to understand functional trade-offs.

Main Methods:

• Studied five populations of *Schizachyrium scoparium* across a habitat gradient.
• Analyzed multivariate trait space and individual trait variation.
• Examined trait relationships with habitat types and coordination between above- and below-ground traits.

Main Results:

• Populations differed in multivariate trait space, but individual trait differences were mixed.
• Within-population trait variation was often greater than between-population variation.
• Weak coordination was found between some trait pairs, including above- and below-ground traits.

Conclusions:

• Trait differentiation occurs at multiple scales (between and within populations).
• Extensive within-population variability in functional traits can be utilized in restoration.
• Direct measurement of root traits is recommended over above-ground proxies for restoration sourcing decisions.