FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Salix lanata ssp. richardsonii | Richardson Willow 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Richardson willow is a fire-tolerant species that sprouts readily from
the root or root crown after being top-killed by fire [32].  If soil
organic layers are completely removed by fire, then the roots of
Richardson willow will not be able to sprout [11].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Richardson willow is an early successional species on burned sites
because of its ability to sprout vigorously from the root crown or roots
following fire [20,36].  Invasion by willows after fire depends on the
time of year of the fire, weather, and the absence or presence of a
mineral seedbed [36].  Richardson willow seeds need a nutrient-rich
mineral seedbed to germinate.  The chance of Richardson willow
establishing after a fire lessens as available mineral soil seedbeds
become occupied by faster growing herbaceous species and mosses [38].
Fire severity can affect willow postfire recovery.  High-severity fires
can damage the roots to the point of no recovery [20,38].  Following
low-severity fires most willows will recover quickly because of their
ability to send up new roots from the root crown [38].  Intense burning
can completely kill willows [20].
  


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Prescribed fire is widely used as a wildlife management tool to
rejuvenate decadent willow stands and stimulate sprouting [11,25].
Early seral stage communities created by fire can increase the carrying
capacity of winter range for moose in interior Alaska [40].  Recurring
fires within some parts of the boreal forest have allowed aspen and
willow to replace coniferous forests [32].  The tendency of willows to
expand quickly following fires and other disturbances and to form dense
thickets inhibits natural regeneration of conifers [11].  Prescribed
burning can reduce initial competition from willow in areas to be
planted with cultivated species [11]. 
   

Related categories for Species: Salix lanata ssp. richardsonii | Richardson Willow