FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Vulpia microstachys | Small Fescue 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
There is little specific information on the adaptations of small fescue
to fire; other annual fescues generally increase in abundance after fire
[2].  Small fescue reoccupies a site through seed.  In many areas,
annual fescues mature early and drop their seeds before most wildfires
occur [17].  Seeds are apparently undamaged by fire when buried in the
soil, and late season fires probably have very little effect on small
fescue.

Recovery is rapid where viable annual fescue seeds remain buried in the
soil, with an abundance of seedlings growing to maturity during the
first year after the burn [3].  Small fescue generally increases in
response to heavy grazing and other types of disturbance [5,6], and it
is likely that fire creates an environment favorable to the germination
and growth of this species.


POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY : 
   Ground residual colonizer (on-site, initial community)

Related categories for Species: Vulpia microstachys | Small Fescue