FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Ceanothus cuneatus | Wedgeleaf Ceanothus 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
Wedgeleaf ceanothus exhibits numerous specialized adaptations to fire
[35].  An abundance of long-lived seed accumulates in the soil, litter,
or duff during fire-free intervals [17,52,55].  Significant amounts of
seed are protected from the harmful effects of fire by overlying soil.
Heat generated by fire subsequently stimulates widespread germination.

Wedgeleaf ceanothus often occurs in chaparral communities characterized
by dense shrub growth with interlocking crowns and an abundance of
deadwood [21,39].  These fire-prone communities are subject to large-scale
conflagrations at periodic intervals.  Historic fire frequencies have
been estimated at 25 to 40 years for chaparral in southern California
[38] and 30 to 60 years for chaparral in the central part of the state
[20].  Broadleaf sclerophylls such as wedgeleaf ceanothus are
characterized by a relatively large amount of fine fuels, low moisture
content, much dead material, and a high proportion of resin, oil, wax,
and volatile products, and thus contribute to the overall flammability
of these communities [40].  Traits such as seedbanking and lack of a
widespread seed dispersal mechanism suggest that ceanothus may be
particularly well adapted to large fires so typical of chaparral [34].


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

Related categories for Species: Ceanothus cuneatus | Wedgeleaf Ceanothus