FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Andropogon gerardii var. gerardii | Big Bluestem 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
Historically, fires occurred frequently in the tallgrass prairie and
were essential in maintaining these grasslands [23].  Across the Great
Plains, lightning-caused fires may have occurred as frequently as every
1 to 6 years [74].  Having evolved in a grassland environment subjected
to frequent fires, big bluestem is well adapted to fire.  After
aboveground foliage is consumed by fire, new growth is initiated from
rhizomes.  The well-developed rhizomes are generally 1 to 2 inches
(2.5-5 cm) below the soil surface [3,133].  In general, grassland fires
are of low intensity because the flames pass quickly, and the soil
temperature 1 inch (2.54 cm) below the surface rises very little [74].
Plants burned during the spring when dormant quickly send up vigorous
new growth because of stored carbohydrate reserves in belowground
organs.  If burned during the summer when plants are actively growing,
plants normally survive by initiating new growth from rhizomes; however,
regrowth may be slower and less vigorous than in plants burned when
dormant [36].


POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY : 
   Rhizomatous herb, rhizome in soil

Related categories for Species: Andropogon gerardii var. gerardii | Big Bluestem