Print Report
CEGL002901 Kobresia simpliciuscula - Trichophorum pumilum Fen
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Simple Bog Sedge - Rolland''s Bulrush Fen
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This plant association is found in extreme rich fens in the high altitude park of South Park in Colorado at elevations of 2730-3060 m (8960-10,040 feet). Extreme rich fens are small-patch communities confined to specific environments defined by groundwater discharge, soil chemistry, and peat accumulation of at least 40 cm. Fens form at low points in the landscape at or near slopes where groundwater intercepts the soil surface. The water chemistry is distinct in that it contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. The association is characterized by the presence of Kobresia simpliciuscula and Trichophorum pumilum on hummocks in the wetter end of the hydrologic gradient of the fen. Trichophorum pumilum does not occur as consistently as Kobresia simpliciuscula and is often inconspicuous within the plant association stand. Other plants that occur on the hummocks include Thalictrum alpinum, Kobresia myosuroides, Juncus arcticus, and Salix candida. The swales beneath the hummocks contain stands of Carex aquatilis, Carex simulata, Eleocharis quinqueflora, and Triglochin sp. The extreme rich fens also support a number of rare plants and insects, including regional endemics.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: The association is based on 11 extreme rich fen communities in South Park in central Colorado that have been extensively inventoried due to the occurrence of many rare plants and plant associations contained within them.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: The association is characterized by the presence of Kobresia simpliciuscula (25-60% cover) and Trichophorum pumilum (= Scirpus pumilus) (7-30% cover) on hummocks in the wetter end of the hydrologic gradient of the fen. Trichophorum pumilum does not occur as consistently as Kobresia simpliciuscula and is often inconspicuous within the plant association stand. Other plants (with percent cover) that occur on the hummocks include Thalictrum alpinum (10-60%), Kobresia myosuroides (10%), Juncus arcticus (5-10%), and Salix candida (5%). The swales beneath the hummocks contain stands of Carex aquatilis, Carex simulata, Eleocharis quinqueflora, and Triglochin sp. The extreme rich fens also support a number of rare plants and insects, including regional endemics.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: This plant association is found in extreme rich fens in the high altitude park of South Park in Colorado. This association is found at elevations of 2730-3060 m (8960-10,040 feet). Extreme rich fens are small-patch communities confined to specific environments defined by groundwater discharge, soil chemistry, and peat accumulation of at least 40 cm. Fens form at low points in the landscape at or near slopes where groundwater intercepts the soil surface. The water chemistry is distinct in that it contains high levels of calcium and magnesium.
Geographic Range: The range of the association is limited to the geographical region of South Park in central Colorado. The specific hydrologic gradient needed to support the extreme rich fen communities is a limiting factor on the range of the association.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: CO
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.689171
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G2
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.2 Temperate to Polar Bog & Fen Formation | F016 | 2.C.2 |
| Division | 2.C.2.Na North American Bog & Fen Division | D029 | 2.C.2.Na |
| Macrogroup | 2.C.2.Na.2 Shrubby cinquefoil - Woolly-fruit Sedge / Star Campylium Moss Alkaline Fen Macrogroup | M877 | 2.C.2.Na.2 |
| Group | 2.C.2.Na.2.c Bellardi Bog Sedge - Buxbaum''s Sedge Alkaline Fen Group | G516 | 2.C.2.Na.2.c |
| Alliance | A3436 Simple Bog Sedge - Bellardi Bog Sedge Alkaline Graminoid Fen Alliance | A3436 | 2.C.2.Na.2.c |
| Association | CEGL002901 Simple Bog Sedge - Rolland''s Bulrush Fen | CEGL002901 | 2.C.2.Na.2.c |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Kobresia simpliciuscula - (Trichophorum pumilum) Extreme Rich Fen (Carsey et al. 2003a)
- CNHP [Colorado Natural Heritage Program]. 2006-2017. Tracked natural plant communities. Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins. [https://cnhp.colostate.edu/ourdata/trackinglist/plant_communities/]
- 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.
- Cooper, D. J. No date. Ecological studies of wetlands in South Park, Colorado: Classification, functional analysis, rare species inventory, and the effects of removing irrigation. Unpublished report prepared for Park County and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region VIII.
- Sanderson, J. 1995a. Field survey of South Park''s extreme rich fens. Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Denver.
- Sanderson, J. 1995b. Field survey to Wahl Ranch. Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Denver.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.