Long-Term Effects of Fire on Cactus in the Southern Mixed Prairie of Texas

Abstract

Few brownspine pricklypear were immediately killed by the direct effects of fire. Most plants resprouted after burning in the spring, but mortality averaged 70% by the end of the fourth year after burning. Interactions of fire with insects and rodents caused most of the brownspine pricklypear mortality. Walkingstick cholla and tasajillo were more directly affected by fire than brownspine pricklypear. First-year mortality was 40 to 65%, respectively; and fourth year mortality was 57 to 80%. Mortalities of other minor species of cactus varied from 49 to 100%.