Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available

Floristics: This small-patch wetland community is dominated by grasses and forbs, with scattered trees and shrubs. The dominant grasses are Leersia oryzoides and Phalaris arundinacea. Both of these are native species, however, introduction of Eurasian ecotypes and cultivars of Phalaris arundinacea and subsequent hybridization with native stock have been blamed for the current invasive capacity of this species. Leersia is strongly dominant at most sites. Sagittaria latifolia has high constancy and cover but drops out at the highest elevations. Scirpus cyperinus has high constancy. Additional characteristic herbs include Boehmeria cylindrica, Carex gynandra, Carex intumescens, Carex baileyi, Dichanthelium clandestinum, Dulichium arundinaceum, Eutrochium fistulosum (= Eupatorium fistulosum), Galium tinctorium, Impatiens capensis, Juncus effusus, Lobelia siphilitica, Ludwigia palustris, Lycopus uniflorus, Lycopus virginicus, Lysimachia terrestris, Mimulus ringens, Polygonum sagittatum, Scirpus atrovirens, and Typha latifolia. Cover by nonvascular plants is generally insignificant. Scattered small trees include Robinia pseudoacacia, Salix nigra, and Fraxinus pennsylvanica. The exotic shrub Rosa multiflora may be invasive in this community. Cornus amomum and Cephalanthus occidentalis are characteristic native shrubs. Areas with longer standing water may have aquatic species, including Callitriche heterophylla and Sparganium spp. Mean species richness of vascular plants in 19 WV plots was 16 taxa per 400 m2.

Dynamics:  These wetlands have been highly impacted by developments, including roads, railroads, drainage for agriculture, hay harvests, and industrial use. It is likely that these herbaceous wetlands were forested prior to clearing for agriculture. Some of these wetlands have been influenced by beaver activity; it may also develop on wetland sites disturbed by human activities. It is an early-successional wetland type and patches may be ephemeral, but it is likely to be present on the landscape as long as beaver-influenced and human-caused disturbance regimes persist.