FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Rhus typhina | Staghorn Sumac 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
Staghorn sumac has no apparent adaptations for fire resistance; it is
probably easily top-killed or killed by fire due to its thin bark.
Adaptations for fire survival include sprouting from the roots when
top-killed.  In addition, staghorn sumac seeds are apparently somewhat
resistant to high temperatures and may be stimulated to germinate by
fire.  It does not appear exclusively (or even with great frequency) in
fire-dependent communities [29], but it does occasionally occur these
communities.  In Vermont, pitch pine (Pinus rigida) communities dominate
cutover areas, and are maintained by fire.  Where fire is suppressed,
gray birch (Betula populifolia) cover increases at the expense of pitch
pine.  Staghorn sumac was found in low numbers on a 12-year-old clearcut
dominated by gray birch, red maple (Acer rubrum), mapleleaf viburnum
(Viburnum acerifolium), American hazel (Corylus americanum), myrica
(Myrica spp.), and blueridge blueberry (Vaccinium vaccilans).  It was
therefore present in either the preharvest community or in an adjacent
community [21].


POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY : 
   Tree with adventitious-bud root crown/soboliferous species root sucker

Related categories for Species: Rhus typhina | Staghorn Sumac