GL1B Agrostis stolonifera – Filipendula ulmaria marsh-grassland


  • Grasslands (GL)
  • GL1 Juncus acutiflorus – Molinia caerulea group
  • GL1B Agrostis stolonifera – Filipendula ulmaria marsh-grassland
Scientific name:
Agrostis stolonifera – Filipendula ulmaria marsh-grassland
Common name:
Creeping Bent – Meadowsweet marsh-grassland
Community code:
GL1B
Full PDF Synopsis

GL1B Agrostis stolonifera – Filipendula ulmaria marsh-grassland

Vegetation

Broadleaved herbs are at their most abundant here out of all the wet grassland communities, with grass species being much less prominent. Nevertheless, Agrostis stolonifera is one of the most frequent species, with Festuca rubra, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Juncus effusus and Holcus lanatus also sometimes found. Sedges are a noteworthy component of the assemblage, with Carex nigra being a constant species and often plentiful, while Carex disticha, C. panicea and C. flacca may also occur in the relatively tall sward (mean graminoid height = 43.3 cm, n = 114). Filipendula ulmaria is the mainstay of the forb cover (mean forb height = 30.9 cm, n = 114), typically accompanied by Galium palustre, Ranunculus repens, Cardamine pratensis and Trifolium repens, and less frequently by Mentha aquatica, Ranunculus flammula, Potentilla anserina and Ranunculus acris. Calliergonella cuspidata is also a constant and may be the only bryophyte present but it can be very abundant. On the wettest sites, Equisetum fluviatile and E. palustre may occur.

Ecology

The Agrostis stolonifera – Filipendula ulmaria marsh-grassland occurs on basin peats and gleys in low-lying areas (mean altitude = 49 m, n = 114) on seasonally flooded level ground (mean slope = 0.3°, n = 114) near lakes and rivers. The upper soil horizons are typically rich in organic matter (mean organic content = 40.9%, n = 77). Soils are of average fertility and are mildly base-rich in relation to other grasslands.

Sub-communities

No sub-communities have been described for this community

Similar communities

Community GL2A is similar, but that community is less species-rich and occurs on more mesotrophic soils. Sedges are also less characteristic in that community. Filipendula is also abundant in the FW3F Filipendula ulmaria – Valeriana officinalis tall-herb swamp but there it tends to be accompanied by other tall-growing forbs and grasses.

Conservation value

This is a grassland community of medium species richness (species/4 m2 = 24.3, n = 146), of which some examples correspond to EU HD Annex I habitat 6410 Molinia meadows. Assemblages of river banks and lake margins with plants such as Filipendula ulmaria, Iris pseudacorus and Equisetum fluviatile may be regarded as EU HD Annex I habitat 6430 Hydrophilous tall herb.

Management

These swards are managed as rough grazing land (typically for cattle). The main threats to these marshy grasslands include improvement, abandonment and changes to the flooding regime.

  • Contact Us
  • +353 51 306 240
  • National Biodiversity Data Centre
    Beechfield House,
    Waterford Institute of Technology West Campus,
    Carriganore,
    Co. Waterford,
    Ireland.
    X91 PE03

Download our free smartphone app for recording in the field
Android App
Apple App

The National Biodiversity Data Centre is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Register Number: 730718.

 

  • Privacy
We made this!
  • Home
  • About
    • Global Biodiversity Information Facility
      • Ireland’s GBIF profile
      • The GBIF Network
      • Latest news at GBIF
      • GBIF Science Review
    • Strategic Objectives
  • Monitoring & tracking change
  • Assisting conservation
  • Ireland’s Biodiversity Learning Platform
  • Workshops
  • Publications
  • Biodiversity Ireland’s Top 10
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • News and Events
    • Distinguished Recorder Award
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. You can view our privacy policy here.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non Necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Save & Accept