FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Schizachyrium scoparium | Little Bluestem 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
Historically, fire played a major role in the ecology of grasslands in
which little bluestem occurs [32].  Little bluestem is well adapted to
fire when dormant, since food reserves are stored in belowground roots
and crowns.  Dormant plants burned in the spring resprout from buds
within the insulated crowns, thereby revegetating the burned community.
Burning little bluestem during summer when plants are actively growing
significantly reduces basal cover [47].  Plants are particularly
sensitive to summer fires because apical meristems are 1 inch (2.54 cm)
above the soil surface, and hence easily consumed by fire [2,7].


POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY : 
   Tussock graminoid
   Rhizomatous herb, rhizome in soil

Related categories for Species: Schizachyrium scoparium | Little Bluestem