FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Artemisia nova | Black Sagebrush 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Historically fire has had little or no influence in communities
dominated by black sagebrush [63].  When exposed to fire, plants are
easily killed and do not sprout [56,64].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
Typically the sparse vegetation of most black sagebrush stands precludes
the occurrence of fire.  In fact, dwarf sagebrush species are commonly
recognized as potential natural fire breaks.  Beardall and Sylvester [4]
found that low sagebrush communities in Nevada did not burn on a hot day
in mid-August despite wind speeds of up to 25 miles per hour (40.3 km
per hour).  Use of prescribed burning is not usually feasible where
black sagebrush forms dense stands.  Since plants are nonsprouters, fire
is not recommended on winter ranges where this species constitutes an
important forage plant.


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Apparently black sagebrush reestablishes from off-site seed following
fire.  Information concerning reestablishment after burning is lacking.
Effective soil moisture and patterns of burning have an influence upon
the rate of site recovery.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
Since stands of black sagebrush do not readily burn, existing response
data involves information obtained from study sites where this species
is not a dominant component of the vegetation.  In Utah, West and Hassan
[60] found no evidence of black sagebrush reestablishment up to 2 years
following a late July fire.  Most black sagebrush seeds are dispersed
close to the parent plant; therefore, mosaic burning patterns which
leave unburned patches speed recovery.  Favorable precipitation
following burning also aids in seedling establishment.


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Species: Artemisia nova | Black Sagebrush