FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Salix exigua | Sandbar Willow 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Most fires kill only aboveground plant parts.  However, severe fires can
completely remove organic soil layers, leaving willow roots exposed and
charred, thus eliminating basal sprouting [4,5,6].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Generally sandbar willow will sprout from its roots following fire
[50,65].  Irwin [30] found that sandbar willow was common in the boreal
forest of northeastern Minnesota 2 years after a May wildfire.  Sandbar
willow is a prolific seeder; off-site plants are important as a seed
source for revegetating burned areas [65].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Due to its proximity to water or high water tables, sandbar willow
communities may serve as natural fire breaks [2].

Related categories for Species: Salix exigua | Sandbar Willow