In ecology a pioneer species is a plant species which colonizes previously uncolonized land, usually leading to ecological succession. Since uncolonised land usually has thin, poor quality soils with few nutrients pioneer species are typically very hardy plants, with adaptions such as long roots, root nodes containing nitrogen fixing bacteria, and leaves which reduce transpiration.

Pioneer species are often grasses, such as marram grass which grows on sand dunes.

Pioneer species in secondary succession

Pioneer species can also be found in secondary succession (an established ecosystem being reduced by an event such as a forest fire of a clearing), colonizing newly created open spaces quickly, common examples from a coniferous forest include:

• Birch
• Fireweed
• Raspberry
• Heaths

Ecology

Pionerart | Pionierpflanze | Augalai pionieriai | Pioniersplant | Pioneerilaji