FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Rubus laciniatus | Evergreen Blackberry 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Although evergreen blackberry plants may be top-killed, actual mortality
appears to be uncommon due to the prolific sprouting ability of this
shrub.

Most evergreen blackberry seeds stored on-site in the soil or duff are
probably unharmed by fire.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Vegetative regeneration:  Most blackberries readily regenerate from
roots, rhizomes, or rootstocks when aboveground foliage is consumed by
fire [12,14].  Roots are generally well protected from the direct effects
of heat by overlying layers of soil.  The evergreen blackberry is known
to produce adventitious root suckers [15] and presumably sprouts when
aboveground vegetation is totally consumed by fire.

This shrub is capable of regenerating by means of horizontal aboveground
stems, which root at the nodes in soil or duff [20], even in the absence
of disturbance.  Rapid spread is probable where portions of the
aboveground stem remain undamaged by fire.

Postfire recovery:  The evergreen blackberry quickly assumes prominence
on many types of burned or disturbed sites [38] and is often well
represented on waste ground [33].  Its role as a vigorous invader
suggests the potential for rapid postfire recovery in many areas.

Seedling establishment:  Seedbanking may be an important regenerative
strategy in the evergreen blackberry [24].  Some seed may also be
transported from off-site by birds or mammals [4].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Wildlife:  Species which consume large amounts of blackberries are often
benefited by fire [26].

Competition:  Many blackberries are favored by fire and can aggressively
compete with conifer seedlings in some postfire communities.

Related categories for Species: Rubus laciniatus | Evergreen Blackberry