FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Salix hastata | Halberd Willow 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Information on the fire effects on Halberd willow is lacking.  It is
assumed that like most other willow species, Halberd willow is
fire-tolerant and sprouts readily from the root or root crown after
being top-killed by fire [14].  Severe fires can kill willows completely
by removing soil organic layers and charring the roots.  Less severe
fires only top-kill plants [10].  


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Halberd willow's density probably increases shortly after burning.
However, it is shade intolerant, and density will decline as young trees
overtop it [21].  Halberd willow seeds need a nutrient-rich mineral
seedbed to germinate.  The chance of Halberd willow establishing after a
fire lessens as available mineral soil seedbeds become occupied by
faster growing herbaceous species and mosses [5].  Fire severity
affects the mode of willow postfire recovery.  Following light-severity
fires most willows recover quickly, sending up new shoots from undamaged
root crowns.  Few, if any, seedlings establish following this type of
fire because the partially consumed organic soil layers comprise an
unfavorable seedbed.  Following severe fire, however, the primary mode
of recovery is seedling establishment.  Severe fires that burn into
organic soils kill willows, but expose mineral soils which provide
excellent seedbeds [26].  


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Prescribed fire is widely used as a management tool to rejuvenate
decadent willow stands and stimulate sprouting [10].  Early seral stage
communities created by fire can increase the carrying capacity of winter
range for moose in interior Alaska [25].  Recurring fires within some
parts of the boreal forest have allowed aspen and willow to replace
coniferous forests.  The tendency of willows to expand quickly following
fires and other disturbances and to form dense thickets inhibits natural
regeneration of conifers.  Prescribed burning can reduce initial
competition from willow in areas to be planted with cultivated species
[10].  

Related categories for Species: Salix hastata | Halberd Willow