FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Corylus cornuta var. californica | California Hazel 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
The aboveground parts of California hazel are easily killed by fire,
even by light spring fires [7,12].

Because of their moisture requirements, seeds probably do not survive
the high temperatures and drying associated with fire.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
California hazel responds to spring fires by vigorous and abundant
sprouting; sprouting after summer fires is less vigorous [7].  Prefire
stature and density are regained in only a few years [12].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Fire would destroy California hazel only under the most extreme fuel and
weather conditions.  Repeated spring burning conducted when the soil is
moist simply increases the number of stems present [12].  However,
repeated summer fires destroy hazel's ability to sprout by exposing and
destroying underground root systems and exhausting stored food reserves
[7].

Related categories for Species: Corylus cornuta var. californica | California Hazel