Print Report
CEGL001474 Phalaris arundinacea Western Marsh
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Reed Canarygrass Western Marsh
Colloquial Name: Western Reed Canarygrass Marsh
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This herbaceous association is reported from throughout Washington, Colorado, Nebraska, Montana, Idaho, and into northeastern Utah, but is likely more widespread in the western United States. It also occurs in Canada , in the southern two-thirds of British Columbia in areas with warm and relatively dry summers and in Alberta, from the Great Plains north into the Boreal Plains. Its distribution as a natural type is complicated because this native species is widely cultivated as a forage crop and has escaped and established in wetlands and riparian areas, displacing the local flora. Elevations range from near sea level to 2307 m. Stands are found along riparian areas, pond and lake margins, wet meadows, and intermittent drainages. The poorly drained alluvial soils are commonly fine-textured (occasionally coarse-textured) and may be flooded for brief to extended periods. The vegetation is characterized by a dense, tall herbaceous layer (often >80% canopy cover and 1.5-2 m tall) that is dominated by Phalaris arundinacea, which tends to occur in monocultures. Associated species may include Equisetum arvense, Muhlenbergia asperifolia, Mentha arvensis, Schoenoplectus acutus, and many other species in trace amounts where disturbed. Introduced species such as Agrostis gigantea, Bromus inermis, Bromus tectorum, Cirsium arvense, Elymus repens, Euphorbia esula, Hordeum brachyantherum, Lepidium latifolium, Melilotus officinalis, Phleum pratense, Poa pratensis, and Sonchus oleraceus are common in some disturbed stands.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: Other natural associations included in this alliance are found throughout the northeastern United States, but this western association''s distribution as a natural type is not clear because of extensive planting as a forage crop (Hansen et al. 1995, Hall and Hansen 1997). The species is native and widespread in Alberta, although some introduced genotypes may be present. Further work is required to resolve the natural versus introduced nature of this type in western North America.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: This association is characterized by a dense, tall herbaceous layer (often >90% canopy cover and 1.5-2 m tall) that is dominated by Phalaris arundinacea, which tends to occur in monocultures. Associated species such as Equisetum arvense, Muhlenbergia asperifolia, Mentha arvensis, Schoenoplectus acutus (= Scirpus acutus), Polygonum amphibium, Solidago canadensis, Urtica dioica, and many other species may be present in trace amounts especially where disturbed. Occasional Populus tremuloides, Salix exigua, Rubus idaeus, or Symphoricarpos albus may be present is some stands. Introduced species such as Agrostis gigantea, Bromus inermis, Bromus tectorum, Cirsium arvense, Elymus repens, Euphorbia esula, Hordeum brachyantherum, Lepidium latifolium, Melilotus officinalis, Phleum pratense, Poa pratensis, and Sonchus oleraceus are common in some disturbed stands.
Dynamics: Phalaris arundinacea produces abundant herbage and is planted for livestock forage. It is tolerant of moderate grazing by livestock, although heavy grazing will reduce density (Hansen et al. 1995). Phalaris arundinacea is a threat to riparian and wetland areas because it spreads rapidly from rhizomes, dominating sites, and is extremely difficult to remove once established (Hansen et al. 1995). Fire has been used with limited success to control the spread of Phalaris arundinacea, but the high water table where it grows makes it difficult to burn during the growing season (Hansen et al. 1995). Van Loh (2000) found stands growing on selenium-rich sites. It is not known if selenium is translocated into the plant tissue.
Environmental Description: This association is reported from throughout Washington, Colorado, Nebraska, Montana, Idaho, and northeastern Utah, but is likely more widespread in the western United States. It also occurs in Alberta, Canada. Elevations range from near sea level to 2307 m (7564 feet). Stands are found along riparian areas, pond and lake margins, wet meadows, and intermittent drainages. Sites are flat to rolling. The poorly drained soils are derived from alluvium and are commonly fine-textured but can also be coarser in texture. Subsoil is often mottled and gleyed (Crawford 2001). Sites are generally flooded from brief to extended periods, and soils remain saturated throughout the growing season.
Geographic Range: This association is reported from Colorado, Nebraska, Montana, Idaho, Washington and northeastern Utah and is likely more widespread in the western United States. It has been documented to occur in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, and is likely widespread elsewhere in southern parts of Canadian provinces. Its distribution as a natural type is complicated because this native species is widely cultivated as a forage crop and has escaped and established in many wetlands and riparian areas.
Nations: CA,US
States/Provinces: AB, CA, CO, ID, MT, ND, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.685580
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G5
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.Nb Western North American Temperate Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Division | D031 | 2.C.4.Nb |
| Macrogroup | 2.C.4.Nb.90 Western North American Ruderal Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Macrogroup | M301 | 2.C.4.Nb.90 |
| Group | 2.C.4.Nb.90.a Kentucky Bluegrass - Canadian Horseweed - Canada Thistle Ruderal Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Group | G524 | 2.C.4.Nb.90.a |
| Alliance | A3846 Reed Canarygrass Western Ruderal Marsh Alliance | A3846 | 2.C.4.Nb.90.a |
| Association | CEGL001474 Reed Canarygrass Western Marsh | CEGL001474 | 2.C.4.Nb.90.a |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Phalaris arundinacea Association (Crawford 2001)
= Phalaris arundinacea Habitat Type (Hansen et al. 1995)
= Phalaris arundinacea Habitat Type (Hall and Hansen 1997)
= Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Provisional Stand Type (Buck-Diaz et al. 2012)
= Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Vegetation (Carsey et al. 2003a)
= Phalaris arundinacea association (Crawford 2003) [35 plots]
= Phalaris arundinacea association (Stumpf et al. 2017)
? Reed Canarygrass Marsh Site Association (MacKenzie and Moran 2004)
= Reed Canarygrass Monotype CT (Muldavin et al. 2000a)
= Phalaris arundinacea Habitat Type (Hansen et al. 1995)
= Phalaris arundinacea Habitat Type (Hall and Hansen 1997)
= Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Provisional Stand Type (Buck-Diaz et al. 2012)
= Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Vegetation (Carsey et al. 2003a)
= Phalaris arundinacea association (Crawford 2003) [35 plots]
= Phalaris arundinacea association (Stumpf et al. 2017)
? Reed Canarygrass Marsh Site Association (MacKenzie and Moran 2004)
= Reed Canarygrass Monotype CT (Muldavin et al. 2000a)
- ANHIC [Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre]. 2018. Community database files. Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre, Parks and Protected Areas Division, Alberta Community Development, Edmonton.
- Bourgeron, P. S., and L. D. Engelking, editors. 1994. A preliminary vegetation classification of the western United States. Unpublished report. The Nature Conservancy, Western Heritage Task Force, Boulder, CO. 175 pp. plus appendix.
- Buck-Diaz, J., S. Batiuk, and J. M. Evens. 2012. Vegetation alliances and associations of the Great Valley ecoregion, California. California Native Society, Sacramento, CA. [http://cnps.org/cnps/vegetation/pdf/great_valley_eco-vegclass2012.pdf]
- Carsey, K., G. Kittel, K. Decker, D. J. Cooper, and D. Culver. 2003a. Field guide to the wetland and riparian plant associations of Colorado. Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Fort Collins, CO.
- Christy, J. A. 2013. Wet meadow plant associations, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Harney County, Oregon. Oregon Biodiversity Information Center, Institute for Natural Resources, Portland State University, Portland.
- Coles, J., A. Tendick, J. Von Loh, G. Bradshaw, G. Manis, A. Wight, G. Wakefield, and A. Evenden. 2010. Vegetation classification and mapping project report, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/NCPN/NRTR--2010/361. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO.
- Cooper, S. V., P. Lesica, R. L. DeVelice, and T. McGarvey. 1995. Classification of southwestern Montana plant communities with emphasis on those of Dillon Resource Area, Bureau of Land Management. Montana Natural Heritage Program, Helena, MT. 154 pp.
- Copass, C., and T. Ramm-Granberg. 2016b. Vancouver National Historic Reserve vegetation inventory and mapping project. Natural Resource Report NPS/NCCN/NRR--2016/1128. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. 90 pp.
- Crawford, R. C. 2001. Initial riparian and wetland classification and characterization of the Columbia Basin in Washington. Prepared for Environmental Protection Agency and Bureau of Land Management, Spokane District. Washington Natural Heritage Program, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Olympia. 83 pp.
- Crawford, R. C. 2003. Riparian vegetation classification of the Columbia Basin, Washington. Natural Heritage Report 2003-03. Washington Natural Heritage Program, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Olympia. 98 pp. plus appendices.
- Erixson, J., D. Cogan, and J. Von Loh. 2011b. Vegetation inventory project report: Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. Natural Resource Report NPS/UCBN/NRR--2011/434 National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO.
- Erixson, J., and D. Cogan. 2012a. Vegetation inventory project: Whitman Mission National Historic Site. Natural Resource Report NPS/UCBN/NRR--2012/520. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. 176 pp.
- Hall, J. B., and P. L. Hansen. 1997. A preliminary riparian habitat type classification system for the Bureau of Land Management districts in southern and eastern Idaho. Riparian and Wetland Research Program, School of Forestry, University of Montana. Idaho Bureau of Land Management, Technical Bulletin No. 97-11. 381 pp.
- Hansen, P. L., R. D. Pfister, K. Boggs, B. J. Cook, J. Joy, and D. K. Hinckley. 1995. Classification and management of Montana''s riparian and wetland sites. Miscellaneous Publication No. 54. Montana Forest and Conservation Experiment Station, School of Forestry, University of Montana. 646 pp. plus posters.
- Hop, K., M. Reid, J. Dieck, S. Lubinski, and S. Cooper. 2007. U.S. Geological Survey-National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Program: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI. 131 pp. plus Appendices A-L.
- IDCDC [Idaho Conservation Data Center]. 2005. Wetland and riparian plant associations in Idaho. Idaho Conservation Data Center, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise. [http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/tech/CDC/ecology/wetland_riparian_assoc.cfm] (accessed 14 June 2005).
- MTNHP [Montana Natural Heritage Program]. 2002b. List of ecological communities for Montana. Montana Natural Heritage Program, Montana State Library, Helena, MT.
- MacKenzie, W. H., and J. R. Moran. 2004. Wetlands of British Columbia: A guide to identification. Land Management Handbook No. 52. Research Branch, British Columbia Ministry of Forests and Lands, Victoria, BC. 287 pp.
- Muldavin, E., P. Durkin, M. Bradley, M. Stuever, and P. Mehlhop. 2000a. Handbook of wetland vegetation communities of New Mexico. Volume I: Classification and community descriptions. Final report to the New Mexico Environment Department and the Environmental Protection Agency prepared by the New Mexico Natural Heritage Program, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.
- Owns, T., project coordinator, et al. 2004. U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Program: Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service. 390 pp.
- Reid, M. S., S. V. Cooper, and G. Kittel. 2004. Vegetation classification of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Final report for USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program, International Peace Park Mapping Project. NatureServe, Arlington VA.
- Salas, D. E., and M. J. Pucherelli. 2002a. USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping, Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. Technical Memorandum 8260-02-08. Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, CO. 128 pp.
- Stevens, J. E., D. S. Jones, and K. J. Benner. 2015. Vegetation classification and mapping project report: Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Natural Resource Report NPS/GRYN/NRR--2015/1070. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. 350 pp.
- Stumpf, K. A., Cogan Technology, and Kier Associates. 2017. Vegetation mapping and classification project: Redwood National and State Parks, California. Natural Resource Report NPS/REDW/NRR--2017/1431. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. 270 pp.
- Tendick, A., J. Coles, P. Williams, G. Bradshaw, G. Manis, A. Wight, G. Wakefield, and A. Evenden. 2010. Vegetation classification and mapping project report, Curecanti National Recreation Area. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/NCPN/NRTR--2010/408. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. 797 pp.
- Tendick, A., J. Spence, M. Reid, K. Shulz, G. Kittel, K. Green, A. Wight, and G. Wakefield. 2017. Vegetation classification and mapping project report, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Natural Resource Report NPS/NCPN/NRR—2017/1500. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. 1464 pp.
- Thompson, W. H., and P. L. Hansen. 2002. Classification and management of riparian and wetland sites of Alberta''s Grasslands Natural Region and adjacent subregions. Bitterroot Restoration, Inc., Cows and Fish, Lethbridge. 416 pp.
- Von Loh, J. 2000. Draft local descriptions of the vegetation associations of Ouray National Wildlife Refuge. USGS Bureau of Reclamation, Remote Sensing and GIS Group, Denver Federal Center, Denver.
- Von Loh, J., D. Cogan, K. Schulz, D. Crawford, T. Meyer, J. Pennell, and M. Pucherelli. 2002. USGS-USFWS Vegetation Mapping Program, Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, Utah. USDI Bureau of Reclamation, Remote Sensing and GIS Group, Technical Memorandum 8260-02-03. Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO. 225 pp.
- WNDD [Wyoming Natural Diversity Database]. No date. Unpublished data on file. Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY.
- WNHP [Washington Natural Heritage Program]. 2018. Unpublished data files. Washington Natural Heritage Program, Department of Natural Resources, Olympia, WA.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.
- Willoughby, M. G., C. Stone, C. Hincz, D. Moisey, G. Ehlert, and D. Lawrence. 2004. Guide to range plant community types and carrying capacity for the dry and central mixedwood subregions in Alberta. Fourth Approximation. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Public Lands and Forests Division, Edmonton, AB. 245 pp.