1Up Info - A Portal with a Difference

1Up Travel - A Travel Portal with a Difference.    
1Up Info
   

Earth & EnvironmentHistoryLiterature & ArtsHealth & MedicinePeoplePlacesPlants & Animals  • Philosophy & Religion  • Science & TechnologySocial Science & LawSports & Everyday Life Wildlife, Animals, & PlantsCountry Study Encyclopedia A -Z
North America Gazetteer


You are here >1Up Info > Wildlife, Animals, and Plants > Plant Species > Shrub > Species: Yucca glauca | Soapweed Yucca
 

Wildlife, Animals, and Plants

 


Wildlife, Animals, and Plants

 

Wildlife Species

  Amphibians

  Birds

  Mammals

  Reptiles

 

Kuchler

 

Plants

  Bryophyte

  Cactus

  Fern or Fern Ally

  Forb

  Graminoid

  Lichen

  Shrub

  Tree

  Vine


FIRE EFFECTS

SPECIES: Yucca glauca | Soapweed Yucca
IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : Precise effects may vary with season of burn, fire intensity and severity, and site characteristics. Postfire mortality of soapweed yucca has been reported [7,32,45]. However, many observers have noted that soapweed yucca is extremely difficult to kill with fire [38]. Morphologically similar species frequently survive and resprout even when all aboveground vegetation is consumed by fire. Soapweed yucca is rarely killed by other types of disturbance such as mechanical removal [45]. DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : NO-ENTRY PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : This species is generally capable of regenerating through sprouting of underground rhizomes, located 4 to 24 inches (10-60 cm) beneath the surface [45], which are presumably somewhat protected from heat damage by overlying soil. Morphologically similar yuccas resprout prolifically after fire, and although vigorous sprouting has been observed following mechanical removal of soapweed yucca, a similar postfire response has not been widely reported in the literature. However, soapweed yucca has been observed to decrease in response to burning [7,32]. The protective bark which covers the rhizomes tends to thicken as plants age, and limited evidence suggests that older, larger plants are more likely to regenerate vegetatively [28]. Therefore, it is probable that older plants are more likely to sprout after fire. Additional research is needed to clarify the importance of such factors as fire intensity and severity, climate, soils, season of burn, and grazing history. Ecotypic or geographic variation is also possible. Recovery of soapweed yucca on d a site may be relatively rapid even where reestablishment occurs primarily through seed. Seeds germinate rapidly [1], and seedlings reportedly establish readily on newly disturbed sites which lack grasses or other competitors [28]. Maturation is rapid and flowering has been reported in plants as young as 5 or 6 years of age [45]. DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : NO-ENTRY FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : The tender young shoots of soapweed yucca are highly palatable to livestock, particularly in drier years, and to rodents such as woodrats [13,45]. Postfire recovery may be poor where rodent numbers are unusually high [45]. In some areas, grazing must be limited to ensure good postfire recovery.

Related categories for Species: Yucca glauca | Soapweed Yucca

Send this page to a friend
Print this Page

Content on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. We accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person resulting from information published on this site. We encourage you to verify any critical information with the relevant authorities.

Information Courtesy: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory. Fire Effects Information System

About Us | Contact Us | Terms of Use | Privacy | Links Directory
Link to 1Up Info | Add 1Up Info Search to your site

1Up Info All Rights reserved. Site best viewed in 800 x 600 resolution.