FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Carex stricta | Tussock Sedge 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
The rhizomes of tussock sedge make it resistant to fires that burn
little of the soil organic layer.  Fire is important to the maintenance
of the sedge meadow community where tussock sedge grows [5,6].  It is a
natural feature of this environment and prevents the encroachment of
shrubs and trees.  The wet habitat usually protects the roots and
rhizomes from fire.  During severe droughts or when the meadows have
been partially or completely drained, however, fire has serious effects.
Underlying peat beds may ignite and smolder for long periods of time
Such fires can destroy roots of most plants.  By lowering the meadow
surface and reducing plant cover, such fires may also convert a sedge
meadow to an emergent marsh community [5,10].

Tussock sedge probably colonizes burned areas by seeds and rhizomes.


POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY : 
   Rhizomatous herb, rhizome in soil

Related categories for Species: Carex stricta | Tussock Sedge