FE2F Menyanthes trifoliata – Calliergonella cuspidata mire
Vegetation
In this quite diverse mire community, Menyanthes trifoliata is usually found growing vigorously through a dense layer of Calliergonella cuspidata. The remaining constant species do not provide too much cover on average, these being Galium palustre, Equisetum fluviatile, Potentilla palustris, Agrostis stolonifera, Mentha aquatica and Carex diandra. Frequently, these are accompanied by Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Cardamine pratensis, Angelica sylvestris or Caltha palustris. Phragmites australis and Carex rostrata are also frequent and sometimes dominate. Other bryophytes are infrequently present. Occasionally, there is some cover Calliergon giganteum and less often some presence of the ‘brown mosses’ Campylium stellatum and Bryum pseudotriquetrum.
Ecology
This is a wetland community of slightly nutrient-poor, mildly acidic situations, often occurring as part of lowland fens.
Sub-communities
No sub-communities are currently described.
Similar communities
The abundance of Calliergonella cuspidata will help separate FE2F from other communities in this group. An abundance of Calliergonella cuspidata is also encountered in the FE3D Carex nigra – Calliergonella cuspidata fen. In that community, however, Menyanthes trifoliata, Equisetum fluviatile and Potentilla palustris are scarce.
Conservation value
Examples of this quite diverse community with ‘brown mosses’ may correspond with EU HD Annex I habitat 7230 Alkaline fens. Where the habitat is quaking habitat 7140 Transition mires should be considered. It is a community of medium species richness (species/4 m2 = 20.3, n = 113).
Management
Typically, this is an unmanaged community. The main threats include drainage, reclamation, ground water pollution and peat extraction.