FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Juniperus horizontalis | Creeping Juniper 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
Creeping juniper is subject to fire-caused mortality or damage, but
limited evidence suggests that this species may be less susceptible to
damage than many other junipers [28].  The low matlike growth form of
creeping juniper results in poor air circulation near the plant, more
limited fuels, and higher relative humidity around the crown [28], all
of which serve to decrease flammability.  Creeping juniper can grow on
extremely rocky sites which frequently lack sufficient fuels to carry a
fire.

Reestablishment after fire may occur in a number of ways.  In areas
where creeping juniper grows in large mats, parts of the mat may remain
undamaged and survive [28].  In many locations break-up of old mats is
an important means of forming new individuals [28].  This process is
likely to be of at least some importance after fire in certain areas.
Reestablishment after fire may also occur through seed buried on-site in
the soil or brought on-site by water, gravity, or by any of a number of
birds and mammals.


POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY : 
   Secondary colonizer - on-site seed
   Secondary colonizer - off-site seed

Related categories for Species: Juniperus horizontalis | Creeping Juniper