Clovers
Trifolium spp.
Family:
Examples: T. repens, T. pratense)
Fire effect on plant
The stolons of clover are likely killed by fire. If fire occurs in a young population, where tap roots are still vigorous, plants may resprout, although probably with reduced vigor (Coladonato 1993).
Key traits
There is some capacity of clovers to resprout from the tap root, but this depends upon plant age and vigor.
Clovers likely regenerate via a soil-stored seedbank that germinates rapidly after fire. Seeds are dispersed by wind and animals.
Plant response to fire
Clovers are likely negatively affected by fire, since most of its growing parts are above ground and fire would quickly defoliate these aboveground parts (Anderson 1972). Fire can also enhance grass cover, which may reduce cover of clover through heightened competition (Coladonato 1993).
Timing of life history
Perennial species. Seeds likely produced from second growing season. Flowering April to August.
Conservation status
None.
References
Anderson, R. C. 1972. The use of fire as a management tool on the Curtis Prairie. Arboretum News. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin; 21(3): 1-9. [Empirical evidence; Academic literature]
Coladonato, M. 1993. Trifolium repens. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station,
Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/forb/trirep/all.html [2024, January 25]. [Empirical evidence; Academic literature]