Print Report

A3579 Isoetes riparia - Eriocaulon parkeri Intertidal Freshwater Marsh Alliance

Type Concept Sentence: This freshwater tidal vegetation of the eastern U.S. and possibly Canada occurs on sandy or gravelly shores that are exposed only at low tide, such as on the upper limits of freshwater intertidal shores; stands are dominated by Isoetes riparia and Eriocaulon parkeri.

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Riverbank Quillwort - Estuary Pipewort Intertidal Freshwater Marsh Alliance

Colloquial Name: Riverbank Quillwort - Estuary Pipewort Intertidal Freshwater Marsh

Hierarchy Level:  Alliance

Type Concept: This alliance represents freshwater tidal vegetation dominated by the characteristic species Eriocaulon parkeri and Isoetes riparia. Associated species may include Cyperus bipartitus, Elatine minima, Eleocharis obtusa, Isoetes riparia, Sagittaria calycina, and Sagittaria subulata. In more muddy areas, Schoenoplectiella smithii occurs. Some of this vegetation is restricted to areas that receive substantial scour during spring floods, since Eriocaulon parkeri is very susceptible to siltation. The vegetation can be quite sparse, with few plants growing in patches within the open sand. This alliance is found in coastal areas from North Carolina north to Maine, and possibly Canada. Examples occur on sandy or gravelly shores that are exposed only at low tide, such as on the upper limits of freshwater intertidal shores.

Diagnostic Characteristics: This is freshwater tidal vegetation occurring on sandy or gravelly shores that are exposed only at low tide, such as on the upper limits of freshwater intertidal shores. Characteristic species include Eriocaulon parkeri and Isoetes riparia. The vegetation can be quite sparse with few plants growing in patches within the open sand.

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: Stands are dominated by the narrow leaved "pseudo-graminoids" Eriocaulon parkeri and Isoetes riparia. The vegetation can be quite sparse with few plants growing in patches within the open sand.

Floristics: Examples are dominated by the characteristic narrow leaved "pseudo-graminoids" Eriocaulon parkeri and Isoetes riparia. Associated species may include Cyperus bipartitus (= Cyperus rivularis), Elatine minima, Eleocharis obtusa (= var. peasei), Isoetes riparia, Sagittaria calycina, and Sagittaria subulata. In more muddy areas, Schoenoplectiella smithii (= Scirpus smithii) occurs.

Dynamics:  This vegetation type is restricted to areas that receive substantial scour during spring floods.
Environmental Description:  This alliance is freshwater tidal vegetation occurring on sandy or gravelly shores that are exposed only at low tide. This vegetation type is restricted to areas that receive substantial scour during spring floods.
Geographic Range: This alliance is found in coastal areas from North Carolina north to Maine, and may possibly occur in South Carolina and New Brunswick, Canada.

Nations: CA?,US

States/Provinces:  CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NB?, NC, NJ, NY, RI, SC?, VA


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.Ne Atlantic & Gulf Coastal Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Division D322 2.C.4.Ne
Macrogroup 2.C.4.Ne.1 Annual Wild Rice - Saltmeadow Cordgrass - Pickerelweed Fresh-Oligohaline Tidal Marsh Macrogroup M066 2.C.4.Ne.1
Group 2.C.4.Ne.1.c <i>Zizania aquatica - Spartina patens - Amaranthus cannabinus</i> Freshwater Tidal Marsh Group G914 2.C.4.Ne.1.c
Alliance A3579 Riverbank Quillwort - Estuary Pipewort Intertidal Freshwater Marsh Alliance A3579 2.C.4.Ne.1.c
Association CEGL006058 Shore Quillwort Tidal Marsh CEGL006058 2.C.4.Ne.1.c
Association CEGL006352 Estuary Pipewort - Dotted Smartweed Tidal Marsh CEGL006352 2.C.4.Ne.1.c
Concept Lineage: This new alliance joins vegetation from old alliances A.1701 (1/2) and A.1879 (1/1).

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
Concept Author(s): C. Nordman, in Faber-Langendoen et al. (2013)

Author of Description: M. Pyne

Acknowledgements: We have incorporated significant information developed and compiled by A.S. Weakley, the Virginia Natural Heritage Program, and by the Eastern Ecology Group of NatureServe.

Version Date: 12-18-14
  • Faber-Langendoen, D., J. Drake, M. Hall, G. Kittel, S. Menard, C. Nordman, M. Pyne, M. Reid, M. Russo, K. Schulz, L. Sneddon, K. Snow, and J. Teague. 2013-2019b. Screening alliances for induction into the U.S. National Vegetation Classification: Part 1 - Alliance concept review. NatureServe, Arlington, VA.
  • Sneddon, L., M. Anderson, and K. Metzler. 1996. Community alliances and elements of the Eastern Region. Unpublished report. The Nature Conservancy, Eastern Heritage Task Force, Boston, MA. 235 pp.
  • Swain, P. C., and J. B. Kearsley. 2001. Classification of natural communities of Massachusetts. September 2001 draft. Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Westborough, MA.