FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Carya glabra | Pignut Hickory 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
Periodic fires favor oaks over less fire-resistant species such as
hickories [23].  In the Northeast, reduced fire frequencies may have
resulted in the conversion of oak-hickory forests to mixed mesophytic
stands [56].  Fire suppression may have favored both hickories and beech
throughout much of the Southeast.  In the Great Smoky Mountains, fire
suppression since the 1940's has allowed pignut hickory to reach
fire-resistant sizes [23].

Pignut hickory commonly sprouts from the root crown or stem base after
aboveground foliage is killed by fire.  Seedling establishment may also
occur as birds and mammals transport seed from off-site.


POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY : 
   survivor species; on-site surviving root crown
   off-site colonizer; seed carried by animals or water; postfire yr 1&2

Related categories for Species: Carya glabra | Pignut Hickory