GL3D Cynosurus cristatus – Trifolium pratense grassland


  • Grasslands (GL)
  • GL3 Cynosurus cristatus – Plantago lanceolata group
  • GL3D Cynosurus cristatus – Trifolium pratense grassland
Scientific name:
Cynosurus cristatus – Trifolium pratense grassland
Common name:
Crested Dog’s-tail – Red Clover grassland
Community code:
GL3D
Full PDF Synopsis

GL3D Cynosurus cristatus – Trifolium pratense grassland

Vegetation

The main grass species of this rather low sward are Cynosurus cristatus and Agrostis capillaris, with Holcus lanatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Festuca rubra and Lolium perenne also constant (mean graminoid height = 13.0, n = 167). The broadleaved herbs comprise chiefly Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium repens, Prunella vulgaris, Trifolium pratense, Cerastium fontanum and Hypochaeris radicata (mean forb height = 8.4 cm, n = 167). Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus is frequent beneath and can be abundant. There are often signs of some agricultural improvement beyond the presence of L. perenne, with Senecio jacobaea, Bellis perennis, and Cirsium arvense being fairly frequent.

Ecology

The Cynosurus cristatus – Trifolium pratense grassland may be regarded as a fairly standard neutral, semi-natural pasture community of well-drained mineral soils and less often gleys (mean organic content = 17.8%, n = 113) in the lowlands (mean altitude = 87 m, n = 167). It occurs on sloping (mean slope = 9.1°, n = 167) ground on soils of medium fertility.

Sub-communities

No sub-communities are described.

Similar communities

This community is similar in composition to the GL3C Festuca rubra – Trifolium pratense grassland and the GL3E Festuca rubra – Rhinanthus minor grassland. Its lower sward is typically more species-rich than either, however. It lacks the tussocky grasses found in GL3C and some of the more calcareous indicators found there (e.g. Galium verum, Briza media). In GL3C, Agrostis stolonifera rather than Agrostis capillaris is a constant. GL3D differs from GL3E by lacking Rhinanthus minor and also by being somewhat more semi-improved.

Conservation value

This is a species-rich grassland community (species/4 m2 = 29.9, n = 231) to which belong some examples of the EU HD Annex I priority habitat 6210 Orchid-rich calcareous grassland*.

Management

These swards are managed as grazing land (typically for cattle). The main threats to these grasslands include improvement and abandonment.

  • 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