FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Salix planifolia ssp. planifolia | Planeleaf 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 [51].  Less severe
fires only top-kill willows.  


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
There is no specific documentation of planeleaf willow sprouting
following fire.  However, sprouting following top-kill by fire is common
in the genus Salix.  Quick, hot fires generally result in numerous
sprouts per willow plant.  Slow-burning fires result in fewer sprouts
because these fires often burn down into the roots, reducing the plants'
sprouting ability [25].

Planeleaf willow seedling establishment following fire has not been
documented, although other willows have been observed to do so when
moist mineral soils are present.  Planeleaf 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 [48].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Prescribed fire can be used to rejuvenate decadent willows [25].
Planeleaf willow primarily occupies wet, poorly drained sites that may
be difficult to burn until they dry out in late summer or fall.  

Related categories for Species: Salix planifolia ssp. planifolia | Planeleaf Willow