FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Rhus trilobata | Skunkbush Sumac 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
Skunkbush sumac generally sprouts vigorously from the root crown and
rhizomes following fire [10,13,44,47].  Crown width and overall coverage
often increase in response to fire [3,9].  Skunkbush sumac may have the
ability to delay sprouting for up to a year following fire [38].  This
adaptation may significantly enhance survival in some harsh
environments.

Although vegetative reproduction is the primary mode of reestablishment
after fire, skunkbush sumac may also reproduce through seed.  Evidence
suggests that some species of Rhus are effective seedbankers, with seed
stored in the humus layer [33].  These seeds germinate when fire creates
conditions favorable for growth [33].  It is not known if skunkbush
sumac is a seedbank species. Postfire recovery time of skunkbush sumac
has not been well documented.





POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY : 
   Tall shrub, adventitious-bud root crown
   Rhizomatous shrub, rhizome in soil

Related categories for Species: Rhus trilobata | Skunkbush Sumac