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STUMP SPROUTING
Yet another adaptation of our native plants is the ability to stump sprout. When
the branches and twigs of these species burn, the stump, which has a deep taproot
that remains undamaged, is stimulated to send out new growth or sprouts. Eventually,
these sprouts begin to resemble original growth. The plant may develop a burl,
or big gnarled looking bump at the base where the stump sprouting occurred. Look
for stump sprouting on Island scrub oaks, toyon, Catalina cherry trees, cactus,
Lemonadeberry, and probably Ironwood.
The removal of goats from the burn area increased the likelihood of successful
stump sprouting as goats are notorious browsers of young sprouts. Deer also prefer
the tender sprouts as forage. After the 1999 fire, we found that ironwoods do,
in fact, stump sprout. Unfortunately, within weeks, the sprouts were chewed off
by deer. Acting promptly to fence some groves proved to protect new growth. Ten
Ironwood (Lyonothamnus floribundus floribundus) and four Island scrub oak (Quercus
pacifica) excloseures were constructed within weeks of the fire. Now, three years
later, the sprouts of some ironwoods and oaks are 7-9 feet high. Many additional
species like ceanothus, bush poppy, and bush mallow are thriving inside the fenced
areas. |
