Name:
Morella pensylvanica - Dasiphora fruticosa / Carex sterilis - Carex flava Fen
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
This calcareous fen association is characterized by herbaceous vegetation maintained by groundwater springs. It is restricted to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and perhaps New York. Peat accumulation is minimal, with mineral soil or marl often evident at the surface, particularly where groundwater emerges. Although the shrubs are generally sparse (less than 25%), they are characteristic of this vegetation, with <i>Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda</i> and <i>Morella pensylvanica</i> common and <i>Toxicodendron vernix, Acer rubrum</i>, and <i>Juniperus virginiana</i> as frequent associates. Wettest portions of these fens lack woody vegetation. The herbaceous cover is usually about 40%. It is rich and diverse and includes the sedges <i>Carex sterilis, Carex flava, Carex cryptolepis, Carex tetanica, Rhynchospora capillacea, Rhynchospora alba</i>, as well as <i>Parnassia glauca, Sanguisorba canadensis, Drosera rotundifolia, Sarracenia purpurea, Packera aurea, Lobelia kalmii, Panicum flexile, Deschampsia cespitosa, Juncus brachycephalus, Juncus nodosus, Eleocharis tenuis, Muhlenbergia glomerata, Mentha x piperita</i>, and <i>Spiranthes cernua</i>. The invasive exotic shrubs <i>Berberis thunbergii</i> and <i>Rosa multiflora</i> may also be present. The diagnostic characteristic is the presence of <i>Morella pensylvanica</i> in the shrub layer.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:34751-{81EA7149-248C-4A12-AD5F-728C160CF531}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
27
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