FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Ephedra nevadensis | Nevada Ephedra 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Underground regenerative structures commonly survive when aboveground
vegetation is consumed by fire [28].  However, under certain
circumstances, plants may be killed [22,32].  The effects of fire on
Nevada ephedra varies according to fire intensity and severity, and
season of burn.  Following a hot June wildfire, aboveground foliage was
killed on 84 percent of Nevada ephedra at this site.  Approximately 76
percent of all plants were completely killed [14].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Nevada ephedra often sprouts vigorously from the roots after aboveground
vegetation is killed or damaged by fire [28].  Recovery is generally
rapid when plants sprout prolifically.  In a central Utah study,
significant amounts of Nevada ephedra were present within 1 year after
fire [28].  However, response may vary according to the timing,
intensity, and severity of burn.  Only 9 percent of all top-killed
plants sprouted after a hot June wildfire in the Sonoran Desert of
Arizona [14].

Nevada ephedra can sometimes reoccupy a site through seed, but recovery
may be relatively slow.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
Nevada ephedra sprouted readily after a mid-summer wildfire in central
Utah.  Coverage values and biomass was documented as follows [28]:

    Measured Preburn             Control (Unburned)           Burned

                                (percent)
 1981     1982     1983        1981    1982    1983         1981  1982  1983
 2.5       2.5      2.3         1.0     4.3     2.0          --    1.3   1.0

    Means (kg/ha) - herbage standing crops

 1981              1982            1983
 23.98             10.18           95.01

Little sprouting occurred after a hot June wildfire in Arizona.  Density
and cover on burned and unburned plots were as follows [14]:

                unburned                       burned
                                        1980           1981
density (#/ha)     40                    --              5
cover (%)           0.9                  --            trace


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Species: Ephedra nevadensis | Nevada Ephedra