FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Salix drummondiana | Drummond Willow 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Willows on organic soils may be killed by severe fires which burn deep
into the soil, char the roots, and prevent sprouting [45].  Less severe
fires only top-kill willows.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Top-killed Drummond willow plants sprout following fire.  Quick, hot
fires generally result in numerous sprouts per plant.  Slow burning
fires result in fewer sprouts because these fires often burn down into
the roots, reducing Drummond willow's sprouting ability [6].

Although there is no documentation of Drummond willow seedling
establishment following fire, other willows have been observed to do so
when moist mineral soils are present [40].  Drummond willow seeds are
dispersed in the summer, remain viable for only about 1 week, and
require moist mineral soil for germination.  Therefore, the degree of
seedling establishment following fire depends upon the season of burn,
on the weather, and on the amount of mineral soil exposed [41].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Prescribed fire can be used to rejuvenate decadent Drummond willow [6].
Wet, poorly drained sites may be difficult to burn until they dry out in
the late summer or fall.
  

Related categories for Species: Salix drummondiana | Drummond Willow