Abstract

The potential of phytolith studies in areas of poor pollen and plant macrofossil preservation has been understood for some time. While this may be the case, phytolith studies in North America have generally focused on a narrow spectrum of plant types– mainly native grasses, and cereals (e.g., maize). With regard to efforts directed towards paleoenvironmental reconstructions, this has meant that past vegetation communities which are not dominated by grasses are effectively 'invisible' at present (especially where pollen and organic macro-remains do not preserve in sufficient quantities). In an effort to close this gap, the author presents some preliminary suggestions for a distinctive trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) phytolith type. If the distinctiveness and exclusivity of this type is borne out in further research, application may provide a means of tracing the boundaries of the Aspen Parkland over time. Archaeologically, it may then be possible to more accurately situate sites within this `transitional' vegetation zone for purposes of inferring natural resource procurement strategies, seasonal rounds, etc.