FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Ilex ambigua | Carolina Holly 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Carolina holly is probably easily killed by fire.  American holly, a
related and cooccurring evergreen holly, is extremely susceptible to
fire.  American holly has thin bark that is easily injured by fire, and
large trees are sometimes killed by light fires in the understory [9,10].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Specific information on the response of Carolina holly to fire is
lacking in the literature.  Young American holly will sprout when
top-killed, although frequent prescribed fires reduce fruit production
and may eliminate American holly completely from the understory of pine
(Pinus spp.) communities [9].  Carolina holly may respond in a similar
manner.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Carolina holly may be eliminated from the understory of pine communities
that are subjected to frequent fires.  The related evergreen species
American holly is eliminated by repeated prescribed fires [9].  Carolina
holly may be encouraged by occasional fires, either because it may sprout
after top-kill (suggested by its presence as a shrub in the understory
of longleaf pine communities) or because it can colonize open areas via
bird-dispersed seeds.

Related categories for Species: Ilex ambigua | Carolina Holly