FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Vulpia myuros | Foxtail Fescue 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Little is known about the specific effects of fire on foxtail fescue.
The dry foliage is typically consumed by fire; seeds usually remain
undamaged in the soil or litter.  Late season fires presumably have very
little effect on this species.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Foxtail fescue generally remains unchanged or increases in response to
fire [7].  This species typically becomes abundant on dry, disturbed
sites such as those created by fire [2,7].  It is a common constituent
of many recently burned chaparral communities in California [18].

Limited research indicates that season of burn may significantly
influence the fire response of this species.  Wildfires often occur
after the seeds of annual grasses such as foxtail fescue have dropped to
the ground [22].  Seed already buried in the litter or soil is usually
undamaged by fire.  Late season fires probably have little effect on
foxtail fescue, while creating an environment favorable for seedling
germination and growth.  When undamaged seed is present on a site,
recovery is generally rapid and presumably occurs by the following
growing season.  Little information exists on the specific response to
various fire intensities and severities.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Foxtail fescue has replaced original bunchgrass vegetation as a result
of overgrazing and fire in foothills big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata
ssp. vaseyana var. xericensis)- bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria
spicata) habitat types in southern Idaho [7].

Related categories for Species: Vulpia myuros | Foxtail Fescue