FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Quercus nigra | Water Oak 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
Water oak has relatively thin bark compared to other oaks [55] and is
easily top-killed by even light fire.  It survives fire by sprouting
from the root crown [50].  Water oak's moist habitat and proximity to
water discourages fire entry.  Water oak leaves and other fuel along
waterways are often moist and difficult to burn [42].  Water oak is
excluded from upslope forests by periodic summer burning [37].

Based on flame applied directly to living bark, water oak is less
resistant to fire than pine, southern magnolia, and sweet bay; of
more-or-less equal resistance as red maple (Acer rubrum), flowering
dogwood, water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), and river birch (Betula nigra);
and more resistant than sweetgum, American holly (Ilex opaca), and black
cherry (Prunus serotina) [17].


POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY : 
   Tree with adventitious-bud root crown/root sucker

Related categories for Species: Quercus nigra | Water Oak