FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Yucca brevifolia | Joshua Tree 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Plants are generally not killed by fire even when aboveground vegetation
is consumed or badly damaged.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Joshua tree generally sprouts vigorously from the roots, stump, or
rhizomes after foliage is removed or damaged by fire [9,42].  The
numerous, fast-growing rhizomes [43] are well protected from heat by
overlying layers of soil.  Plants often appear more dense and shrubby
after fire because of prolific sprouting [9].  Individual trees are
often surrounded by a close group of sprouts [42].  Joshua trees in
previously burned stands may form clumps up to 33 feet (10 m) in
diameter [42].

Evidence suggests that Joshua tree seed can remain viable buried in the
soil for a number of years [43].  Rodents are known to cache seed [21],
and germination of seeds protected by soil in caches is possible.
Reestablishment through on-site or off-site seed may occur on more mesic
sites or in exceptional years.  Postfire recovery time of the Joshua
tree has not been well documented but probably varies with fire
intensity and severity, season of burn, and site characteristics.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Species: Yucca brevifolia | Joshua Tree