FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Potentilla glandulosa | Sticky Cinquefoil 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Nonrhizomatous populations of shrubby cinquefoil are probably killed by
most fires.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Vegetative regeneration has not been documented for this species.
However, the potential for some individuals, populations, or varieties
to sprout after fire is strongly suggested by the presence of "short to
well-developed" rhizomes [8].  Sticky cinquefoil typically produces
numerous seeds [38], and reestablishment through seed stored in seed
banks has been well documented [14,15].  Seed is typically derived from
individuals which are reproducing on-site [14].  Long-distance dispersal
mechanisms have not been reported for this species [14,35].  The length
of time buried seed remains viable is unknown.

Various forms of mechanical scarification are known to promote
germination of sticky cinquefoil seed [29].  Fire may also stimulate
seed to germinate.  Seedlings of this early seral, shade-intolerant
species often grow rapidly following fire or other types of disturbance.

Recovery time for sticky cinquefoil has not been well studied. After a
fire in a Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) community in northern Utah, the
frequency and total number of sticky cinquefoil shoots on burned sites
exceeded those on unburned control plots 2, 9, and 18 years after the
fire.  Total shoot numbers, cover, and frequency were reduced on burned
sites 1 year after the burn [18].  Factors such as fire intensity and
severity, site characteristics, and possible ecotypic variation
influence how sticky cinquefoil responds to fire.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
Frequency, cover, and total numbers of shoots of sticky cinquefoil
following fire in a Gambel oak community in northern Utah were as
follows [18]:

                   Frequency (#)   Total Shoots (#)    Total Cover (%)
1st Year Burn:
          Burned-       1                 2                Trace
          Unburned -    4                 9                 .6   

2nd Year Burn:
          Burned -      2                 6                 .3
          Unburned -    1                 1                Trace

9th Year Burn:
          Burned -      6                12                 .4
          Unburned -    2                 5                 .4

18th Year Burn:
           Burned -     4                14                 .7
           Unburned -   2                 4                 .2

                (50 burned and unburned plots)
                
Sticky cinquefoil remained well-represented on many central Idaho burn
sites for as long as 14 years after fire [32].


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Species: Potentilla glandulosa | Sticky Cinquefoil