Why Squirreltail Is More Tolerant to Burning than Needle-and-Thread

Abstract

Squirreltail plants have a low density of dead plant material; consequently, they burn quickly, and heat penetration to the growing points is at a minimum. By contrast, the greater density of dead plant material in needle-and-thread bunches causes them to burn at higher temperatures for longer periods, so that many plants are killed. Squirreltail is also more tolerant than needle-and-thread to herbage removal by clipping.