Observations on the Origin and Early Development of a Plant Community Following a Forest Fire

The origin of the species on a burned-over area in southwestern Nova Scotia was determined by means of covered plots, and the early stages of succession were followed closely for two years. All of the herbaceous and shrub species which appeared on the area during the first two years were survivors of the fire. Bracken fern showed unquestionable dominance the first year, but its position was severely contested by other herbaceous species and the heath plants during the second year. Seedlings of grey birch and large-toothed aspen appeared the second year and were restricted to patches of bare mineral soil. Sucker growth of red oak, red maple and grey birch was rapid, but it was pruned heavily by deer feeding.