Print Report

M894 Alnus incana - Carex utriculata Boreal Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Macrogroup

Type Concept Sentence: This sedge wet meadow, marsh and wet shrubland macrogroup is found throughout the boreal regions of North America in low-lying wet areas.

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Gray Alder - Northwest Territory Sedge Boreal Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Macrogroup

Colloquial Name: North American Boreal Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland

Hierarchy Level:  Macrogroup

Type Concept: This marsh, sedge wet meadow and wet shrubland macrogroup is found throughout the boreal regions of North America in low-lying wet areas. Two primary structural variants occur: sedge meadow-marsh and tall shrub thicket. The sedge meadow-marsh vegetation is dominated by Calamagrostis canadensis, Carex aquatilis, Carex lasiocarpa, Carex utriculata, Equisetum palustre, and Eriophorum angustifolium. The shrub variant is dominated by Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia, Myrica gale, Salix bebbiana and other Salix spp. Both variants occur on floodplains, depressions, pond and lake margins, oxbows and abandoned channels. Frequent river channel migration and associated flooding and fluvial processes constitute the major disturbances. Wetland succession and species composition are variable due to diverse environmental conditions such as water depth, substrate, and nutrient input.

Diagnostic Characteristics: This group is characterized principally by hydrophytic herbaceous vegetation (marsh and wet meadow) and less commonly low-shrub marshes that are saturated to semipermanently flooded on boreal and boreal transition areas.

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: No Data Available

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: This boreal wetland vegetation may be dominated by emergent sedges, forbs, grasses, or shrubs.

Floristics: Species that often dominate in sedge meadow-marsh include Calamagrostis canadensis, Carex aquatilis, Carex lasiocarpa, Carex utriculata, Equisetum palustre, and Eriophorum angustifolium. Shrub dominated stands typically contain Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia, Myrica gale, Salix bebbiana and other Salix spp.

Dynamics:  No Data Available
Environmental Description:  The boreal shrub-herb wetlands are found throughout the boreal transition and boreal regions of North America They are characterized by either emergent herbaceous or shrub vegetation. They occur on the margins of abandoned channels, floodplains, ponds, lakes, and riparian systems and on inland deltas where rivers drain into large lakes. Inland marshes are mostly small-patch, confined to limited areas in suitable floodplain or basin topography. They are typically saturated or semipermanently flooded, but some marshes have seasonal flooding. Water is at or above the surface for most of the growing season (typically 10 cm above the surface). Soils are muck or mineral, and water is nutrient-rich. These systems are highly productive and have high rates of decomposition.
Geographic Range: This macrogroup occurs throughout the North American boreal region, from Alaska to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Nations: CA,US

States/Provinces:  AB, AK, BC, LB, MB, NF, NT, NU, ON, QC?, SK, YT


Confidence Level: Low

Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR

Greasons: No Data Available
Type Name Database Code Classification Code
Class 2 Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class C02 2
Subclass 2.C Shrub & Herb Wetland Subclass S44 2.C
Formation 2.C.4 Temperate to Polar Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Formation F013 2.C.4
Division 2.C.4.Np Arctic & Boreal Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Division D320 2.C.4.Np
Macrogroup 2.C.4.Np.6 Gray Alder - Northwest Territory Sedge Boreal Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Macrogroup M894 2.C.4.Np.6
Group 2.C.4.Np.6.f Water Sedge - Northwest Territory Sedge Boreal Wet Meadow & Marsh Group G528 2.C.4.Np.6.f
Group 2.C.4.Np.6.h Eastern North American Boreal Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Group G768 2.C.4.Np.6.h
Group 2.C.4.Np.6.i Dwarf Birch - Tealeaf Willow / Tussock Cottongrass Low Wet Shrubland Group G865 2.C.4.Np.6.i
Group 2.C.4.Np.6.j Thinleaf Alder - Bebb''s Willow / Water Sedge Tall Shrub Swamp Group G866 2.C.4.Np.6.j
Concept Lineage: No Data Available

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
Concept Author(s): No Data Available

Author of Description: No Data Available

Acknowledgements: No Data Available

Version Date: 01-06-20
  • Faber-Langendoen, D., J. Drake, S. Gawler, M. Hall, C. Josse, G. Kittel, S. Menard, C. Nordman, M. Pyne, M. Reid, L. Sneddon, K. Schulz, J. Teague, M. Russo, K. Snow, and P. Comer, editors. 2010-2019a. Divisions, Macrogroups and Groups for the Revised U.S. National Vegetation Classification. NatureServe, Arlington, VA. plus appendices. [in preparation]