FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Vaccinium ovatum | Evergreen Huckleberry 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
The role of fire in moist coastal forests, of which evergreen
huckleberry is an integral understory component, is poorly known [69].
Many sites currently occupied by this shrub are believed to have burned
at relatively infrequent intervals during presettlement times [54].
Consequently, specific adaptations to fire may be poorly developed in
this species.  Evergreen huckleberry often sprouts after disturbances
such as fire, but sprouting may primarily represent an adaptation to
herbivory or mechanical damage.

Evergreen huckleberry can sprout from structures such as roots or
rootcrowns after aboveground vegetation is destroyed by fire [29,65].
Limited seedling establishment may occasionally occur as birds and
mammals disperse seed from offsite.  However, it is important to note
that seedling establishment is rare in most western huckleberries
(Vaccinium spp.) [37].


POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY : 
   Tall shrub, adventitious-bud root crown
   Rhizomatous shrub, rhizome in soil
   Initial-offsite colonizer (off-site, initial community)

Related categories for Species: Vaccinium ovatum | Evergreen Huckleberry