FW3G Equisetum fluviatile – Eleocharis palustris swamp
Vegetation
The community comprises rather variables stands united by the presence of Equisetum fluviatile, whose cover tends to be rather low, due in part to the narrow and erect nature of the plant, but nevertheless this is the sole constant species. Only Eleocharis palustris is also frequent here. Occasionally, one may only find some Sparganium erectum, Caltha palustris, Persicaria amphibia or Mentha aquatica growing here and these can each be plentiful. Floating patches of Lemna minor may also occur amongst the horsetails.
Ecology
This swamp community is found in fairly basic and mildly eutrophic waters fringing lakes.
Sub-communities
No sub-communities are currently described.
Similar communities
The high frequency of Equisetum fluviatile and scarcity of Phragmites australis help separate this vegetation type from the other communities in group FW3. From the FE2A Equisetum fluviatile – Menyanthes trifoliata mire the present community differs in the lesser presence of Menyanthes trifoliata and Carex rostrata.
Conservation value
This is a swamp community of medium species richness (species/4 m2 = 7.3, n = 27) and is a naturally occuring feature of lake margins.
Management
These swamp stands are essentially unmanaged. The main threats to them are through lake eutrophication and drainage.