FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Salix glauca | Grayleaf Willow 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
Grayleaf willow is a fire-adapted species.  Most plants sprout from the
root crown following top-kill by fire.  Viereck and Schandelmeier [36]
reported that even old, decadent willows sprouted prolifically
immediately after fire.  The sprouting ability of willows is apparently
more vigorous and prolific than that of birches or alders [36].

Grayleaf willow's abundant, wind-dispersed seeds are important in
colonizing burned areas.  Seeds are dispersed in the fall, overwinter
under snow, and germinate in the spring.  Thus seedling establishment
cannot begin until postfire year 2.


POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY : 
   survivor species; on-site surviving root crown or caudex
   off-site colonizer; seed carried by wind; postfire years 1 and 2
   off-site colonizer; seed carried by animals or water; postfire yr 1&2

Related categories for Species: Salix glauca | Grayleaf Willow