Rocky Mountain Research Station Publications
RMRS Online Publication - Journal
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The role of wildfire in the establishment
and range expansion of nonnative plant species into natural areas:
A review of current literature
Johnson, Mara; Rew, Lisa J.; Maxwell, Bruce D.; Sutherland, Steve. 2006. The role of wildfire in the establishment and range expansion of nonnative plant species into natural areas: A review of current literature. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University Center for Invasive Plant Management. 80 p.
Nonnative invasive plants are one of the greatest threats to natural ecosystems worldwide (Vitousek et al. 1996). In fact, their spread has been described as "a raging biological wildfire" (Dewey et al. 1995). Disturbances tend to create conditions that are favorable for germination and establishment of plant species. Nonnative plant species are often characterized as weeds, exotics, and invasives that can exploit such conditions (Rejmánek 1996) and many of them possess traits such as rapid germination, high fecundity, and effective means of seed dispersal (Stohlgren et al. 1998).
Keywords: nonnative invasive plants, wildfire, weeds, exotics, invasives
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Title: RMRS Other
Publications: The role of wildfire in the establishment and range
expansion of nonnative plant species into natural areas: A review
of current literature
Electronic Publish Date: July 19, 2007
Last Update: July
19, 2007