FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Lycopodium obscurum | Ground Pine 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
The aboveground portion of ground pine is killed by fire.  Rhizomes
present in the litter layer are also killed, but deeper rhizomes will
survive [3].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Ground pine sprouts from rhizomes following fire [3].  In one case, it
was observed in the fifth growing month after a burn, which was actually
about a year later.  The fire was categorized as one of low severity;
soil was moist, but fine fuels were dry enough to burn.  The area was
sprinkled after burning to prevent burning of organic matter in the
rhizome and root zone [7].  The presence of ground pine has been
recorded in stands 10 to 30 years after fire [17].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Since ground pine declines in very old forest stands, it may be
advisable to maintain stands where it is found at a younger stage.  In
areas where the species is very rare, reestablishment after a fire may
be difficult.

Related categories for Species: Lycopodium obscurum | Ground Pine