Common lousewort
Pedicularis sylvatica
Family: Orobanchaceae
Fire effect on plant
Common lousewort is probably killed by fire.
Key traits
Lousewort is a semi-parasite of grasses that has an annual or biennial life history. Direct effects of fire on common lousewort is not described in the literature, however, given its short lifespan and likely shallow roots, it is probable that individuals will be killed. Persistence will therefore be via a soil-stored seedbank (Måren & Vandvik, 2009), and this may be stimulated in the high-light, low-competition environment after fire. In Norwegian heathlands subject to prescribed fire, common lousewort was present within a year of a prescribed fire, and continued to be present for 11 years after fire (Måren & Vandvik, 2009). Seed dispersal in this species is poor (0.1-1m; Lososová et al, 2023).
Plant response to fire
This species thrives in grasslands that are subject to regular, winter burns, but seems to not benefit in similar environments that are subject to other disturbances (i.e. cutting or mowing; van der Zee, 2005).
Timing of life history
Annual or biennial species. Seeds produced in first or second growing season. Flowering April to August.
Conservation status
None.
References
Lososová Z., Axmanová I., Chytrý M., Midolo G., Abdulhak S., Karger D.N., Renaud J., Van Es J., Vittoz P. & Thuiller W. (2023). Seed dispersal distance classes and dispersal modes for the European flora. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 32(9), 1485–1494 [Empirical evidence; Academic literature]
Måren, I.E. and Vandvik, V. (2009), Fire and regeneration: the role of seed banks in the dynamics of northern heathlands. Journal of Vegetation Science, 20: 871-888 [Empirical evidence; Academic literature]
van der Zee, F. (2005) Burning of Heathland in Military Areas in the Netherlands. International Forest Fire News. No. 30. United Nations Economic Commission for Europe/ Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Timber Branch, Geneva Switzerland https://unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/timber/docs/publications-other/IFFN-30.pdf [Expert opinion; grey literature]