Multi-stemming supports plants’ resilience to disturbances and then contributes to soil stabilization and forest function, especially in mountain habitats. Many questions remain about (1) the ontogenetic phase at which multiple stems can occur; (2) how habitat drivers affect multi-stemming and (3) whether ontogenetic phase and habitat drivers interact. We asked these questions for Quercus glauca (ring-cupped oak), the dominant species and sprouter across large warm-temperate areas of Asia; its multi-stemmed trees reflect individual survival, population regeneration, and forest ecosystem stability.

In a 5-ha permanent plot of subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in eastern China, we examined the temporal patterns and spatial distribution of multi–stemmed trees of Q. glauca within 99 quadrats of 20 m × 20 m.

There were three temporal modes for multi-stemming among the Q. glauca trees and most of them appeared to produce multiple stems from an early stage. Environmental disturbances related to slope convexity appear to be the main drivers of multi-stemming of Q. glauca. Moreover, the closer to the ridge, the earlier the multi-stemming occurs. Thus, also for other woody species in other forests and climate zones, ontogeny and environmental drivers promoting disturbance (not only geomorphology, but also extreme weather events, soil drought, fire), as well as soil fertility, need to be considered in combination to better understand multi-stemming and its consequences for community structure.