FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Salsola kali | Russian-Thistle 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
The immediate effects of fire upon Russian-thistle were not found in the
literature.  Fire presumably kills Russian-thistle and kills at least
some of the seed retained in leaf axils.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Russian-thistle colonizes a burn site within 1 to 3 years.  It dominated
a big sagebrush community in Idaho at postfire year 2, contributing 58
percent of the total community biomass [26].  On the Mesa Verde Plateau
of Colorado, it codominated a burned area with Bigelow aster
(Machaeranthera bigelovii) at postfire year 3 [22].  Once dominant,
Russian-thistle retains dominance for an average of 1 more year.  At
postfire year 3 or 4, populations decline until further disturbance
[61].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
The tendency of dead plants to aggregate against fencelines and
buildings creates a fire hazard.  Tumbling, ignited plants can spread
fire, and may bounce across fire lines [61]. 

Prescribed burning will not control Russian-thistle, since it colonizes
from off-site and thrives in disturbed communities.

Related categories for Species: Salsola kali | Russian-Thistle