FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Spartina alterniflora | Smooth Cordgrass 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
Fire is an important factor in the ecology of the Gulf Coast marshes.
Natural fires, caused by lighting and from spontaneous combustion in
dense stands, have resulted in a fire-dependent ecosystem.  Growth
occurs year-round in southern marshes and the vegetation is so luxuriant
that an unburned marsh becomes a veritable tinder box within 3 to 4
years [16].

Smooth cordgrass survives fire by tillering from rhizomes.  Seeds may
colonize bare areas following fires which leave some adult plants to
produce seeds.


POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY : 
   Rhizomatous herb, rhizome in soil

Related categories for Species: Spartina alterniflora | Smooth Cordgrass