Vegetation
Tangles of Juncus bufonius are the only constant feature of the vegetation of this variable and open inundation community of muddy ground. Frequently, there will be some accompanying patches of Agrostis stolonifera. In coastal locations, species such as Triglochin palustre, Glaux maritima, Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani or Spergularia marina may occur. Another species indicative of muddy margins that may occur is Catabrosa aquatica.
Ecology
In coastal areas, this community occurs along streamsides and estuarine channels which are periodically inundated and there can be a high proportion of bare mud or sand. It has also recorded from the flood zones of lagoons and brackish coastal lakes, the margin of dune slacks and from wet areas within machair. At inland locations it has been noted on inundated paths in woodlands and peatlands and may also occur in wet arable fields.
Sub-communities
No sub-communities have been described for this community.
Similar communities
Juncus bufonius is also a constant species in the WE2A Persicaria maculosa – Limosella aquatica inundation community, but that is a more diverse community in which knotweeds, water-cresses and starworts are usually abundant.
Conservation value
This is typically a rather species-poor community (species/4 m2 = 6.3, n = 8), but reflects a natural flooding regime that may be absent from heavily modified landscapes.
Management
This habitat is dependent upon relatively short periods of exposure that allow the annual species to flourish but prevent perennials from outcompeting them; thus any alterations to hydrological regimes would be problematic. Poaching by livestock is also a threat.