Posted by Ranger Sally (165.83.5.15) on October 09, 2003 at 10:09:40:
In Reply to: Fire and plants posted by Dante' McCowan on October 09, 2003 at 08:09:33:
: What are 3 effects fire has on plants?
Dante--thanks for your question. The vegetation in Yellowstone has adapted to fire and in some cases is dependent on it. Some plant communities depend on the removal of the forest overstory to become established.
Fire can limit trees in grasslands, thus maintaining the grassland.
Older Douglas-fir trees are adapted to fire by having thick bark that resists damage by ground fires. At the same time,frequent ground fires keep most young Douglas fir from becoming part of the overstory.
Lodgepole pines produce two types of cones, one of which opens after being heated to at least 113 degrees F. These fire-dependent cones are called serotinous and they ensure seedling establishment after a fire. Lodgepole seedlings also need an open canopy that allows plenty of sun to reach the ground. This happens only if mature trees in a lodgepole stand are periodically thinned by a disturbance like fire. Such disturbances create a landscape more diverse in age, which reduces the probability of disease or fire spreading through large areas.