FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Salix glauca | Grayleaf Willow 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Grayleaf willows that occur in white and black spruce forests can be
killed by severe fires that completely remove soil organic layers and
char the roots [39].  Less severe fires only top-kill plants.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Grayleaf willow is one of the most abundant willows following fire in
white spruce forests of interior Alaska [14].  There are commonly
several thousand stems per acre by 10 years after fire.  However, its
abundance is short-lived, and it is often absent by year 40 as dense
white spruce sapling stands develop [14].  Grayleaf willow is also
common on mesic black spruce sites after fire.  One ll-year-old burn
near the Tanana River had about 4,700 grayleaf, Alaska, and diamondleaf
willow stems per acre (11,500/ha), and lesser amounts of spruce and
poplar [38].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
Fire severity can affect the mode of willow postfire recovery.
Following light fires most willows recover quickly, sending up new
shoots from undamaged root crowns.  Few if any seedlings establish
following this type of burn because organic soil layers are only
partially consumed, which prevents seedling establishment.  Following
severe fires, however, the primary mode of recovery is seedling
establishment.  Severe fires that burn deep into organic soils kill
willows but expose mineral soils, which provide excellent seedbeds.


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Species: Salix glauca | Grayleaf Willow