It is undoubtedly an early seral, if not an invader, species in most successional progressions within its range. Its flowering period is unusually long because shaded plants bloom earlier than those in full sun. The fire ecology of dogfennel has not been adequately described. Dogfennel probably depends on off-site seed sources to colonize recently burned areas. Sprouting from a surviving caudex may also occur.
Most fires probably kill or at least top-kill dogfennel.
Its caudex may survive cool fires. The effects of fires in the Okefenokee Swamp in 1954 and 1955. American Midland Naturalist. The Smithsonian guide to seaside plants of the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts from Louisiana to Massachusetts, exclusive of lower peninsular Florida. Influences of grazing and fire on vegetation and soil of longleaf pine - bluestem range.