Vegetation
Tussocks of Carex elata dominate this rather species-poor swamp community. Usually growing alongside the sedge will be a few reeds (Phragmites australis) and frequent companions are Equisetum fluviatile, Galium palustre and Mentha aquatica. Less often there will be some cover of other sedges (Carex panicea, Carex lasiocarpa, Carex viridula), rushes (Juncus subnodulosus, Juncus articulatus) or tall herbs (Lythrum salicaria, Filipendula ulmaria). Bryophytes are scarce.
Ecology
These stands occur in the lowlands along the margins of mesotrophic lakes and wet woodlands and in base-rich fens.
Sub-communities
No sub-communities are currently described.
Similar communities
This is a distinct community which should be easily recognised.
Conservation value
This is a species-rich plant community (species/4 m2 = 13.4, n = 16) that can support the EU HD Annex II species Desmoulin’s whorl snail (Vertigo moulinsiana).
Management
These swamp stands are essentially unmanaged. The main threats to them are through eutrophication and drainage.