FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Leymus innovatus | Boreal Wildrye 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
The entire aboveground portion of boreal wildrye is consumed in most
fires.  Belowground rhizomes may escape harm, especially during
fast-spreading fires in light surface fuels where little heat is
projected downward into the soil.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Boreal wildrye reproduces asexually following a fire by sprouting from
its rhizomes.  It is reportedly common in postfire stands ranging from 4
to 100 years [5,21,25,26].  Apparently, it is able to spread by rhizomes
following a fire and ramain dominant for a long time.  In one case
boreal wildrye made up 48 percent of the understory composition in a
burned subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) forest.  It made up only 10
percent composition in an unburned subalpine clearing [25].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Boreal wildrye populations do not seem to be seriously injured by fire.
In fact, fire is probably beneficial to the species.  However, increases
of boreal wildrye may not be desirable as this grass is not very
palatable or nutritious for wildlife and livestock [3,5,19].

Related categories for Species: Leymus innovatus | Boreal Wildrye