WE1A Stellaria media – Senecio vulgaris weed community
Vegetation
In this rather sparse community, the bright green leaves and weak, straggling stems of Stellaria media form most of the weed cover. Tufts of Poa annua and the tatty stems of Senecio vulgaris are also constant features but seldom contribute much in the way of foliage. Frequent companions comprise Capella bursa-pastoris, Ranunculus repens and Sonchus oleraceus. A number of other ruderal or annual species are occasional.
Ecology
This is a common weed community of fairly fertile, disturbed soils and is found growing amongst crops in arable fields, flower beds, and market and kitchen gardens.
Sub-communities
No sub-communities are described.
Similar communities
From other weed communities, WE1A is distinguished mainly by the frequency and abundance of Stellaria media.
Conservation value
Vegetation corresponding to this community is typically of relatively low conservation value. Segetal assemblages can contain archaeophytes such as Centaurea cyanus and Agrostemma githago which were once common sights of arable fields, but are now very rare. Species/64 m2 = 13.8, n = 43.
Management
The persistence of this community is dependent on the regular disturbance that comes with arable farming and gardening practices. Rarer archaeophytes have declined due to modernisation of these practices.