Serotiny is a genetic trait and the serotiny levels in current stands can reveal historic fire regimes. Results Jack pine serotiny exhibits a strong gradient in the Pine Barrens, being highest in the Northeast and lowest in the Southwest. This gradient corresponds to a forest density gradient tree species distributionin the pre-settlement vegetation analysis. Serotiny levels were lowest where oak savannas occurred historically. Oak savannas typically exhibit very frequent but low intensity ground fires.
Serotiny levels werehighest in areas dominated by jack pine or mixed pine forests.
These areas typically regenerate after crown fires at varying frequencies.