FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Artemisia cana ssp. viscidula | Mountain Silver Sagebrush 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
Unlike the majority of woody Artemisias, the silver sagebrush complex is
moderately resistant to fire mortality.  Generalized information
indicates that silver sagebrush resprouts vigorously via root sprouts
and rhizomes following fire [2].  Postburn regeneration also involves
the germination of off-site, wind-dispersed seed [40].  Preburn
coverages are rapidly regained in most cases.  Studies on plains silver
sagebrush indicate that as burn intensity and severity increase, plant
mortality also increases and regrowth decreases [37].  See fire case
study information under plains silver sagebrush (A. cana ssp. cana) for
further details.

Fire effects information on mountain silver sagebrush has not been
widely documented.  Apparently resprouting abilities differ between the
mountain (ssp. viscidula) and high desert (ssp. bolanderi) subspecies
[41].  Herbaceous production is potentially quite high on mesic sites
characterized by mountain silver sagebrush [39], and dense stands are
candidates for control measures.  Although burning appears to be an
effective means of managing plant densities in the plains subspecies,
the degree to which these data apply to mountain silver sagebrush is
unknown.  The mesic nature of most areas dominated by this subspecies
suggests that burns must be well-timed, especially where shrub control
is an objective.


POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY : 
   Small shrub, adventitious-bud root crown
   Rhizomatous shrub, rhizome in soil
   Initial-offsite colonizer (off-site, initial community)

Related categories for Species: Artemisia cana ssp. viscidula | Mountain Silver Sagebrush