Alaska Arctic Plant Communities

9. Carex aquatilis-Dryas integrifolia

Photo A. Carex aquatilis-Dryas integrifolia community, on flat-centered polygon with loess soils at Barter Island, AK. Elias et al. (1996), Fig. 8c. Photo D.A. Walker.
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Bioclimate Subzone: C

Floristic Subprovince: Northern Alaska

Substrate Chemistry: Nonacidic

Position along mesotopographic gradient: Moist site

Summary of Habitat: Moist nonacidic coastal meadows in subzone C

Described from: Barter Island (Elias et al. 1996), Prudhoe Bay (Walker 1985)

 

Common plant functional types and species:

Graminoid: Carex aquatilis; Eriophorum angustifolium ssp. triste; Dupontia fisheri;

Prostrate dwarf shrubs: Dryas integrifolia; Salix pulchra; Salix reticulata;

Moss: Tomentypnum nitens; Oncophorus wahlenbergii; Campylium stellatum; Distichium capillaceum;

Forb: Bistorta vivipara; Pedicularis lanata; Stellaria laeta; Tephroseris frigida;

Lichen: Thamnolia subuliformis; Cetraria islandica; Dactylina arctica; Flavocetraria cucullata; Peltigera aphthosa;

 

General Comments:

• This is the common vegetation type in mesic nonacidic coastal areas of bioclimate subzone C in northern Alaska. It is dominated by graminoids (Carex aquatilis, Eriophorum angustifolilum, Dupontia fisheri), prostrate dwarf shrubs (Dryas integrifolia, Salix arctica, Salix reticulata) and mosses with a few forbs and lichens.

 

Other names from the Alaska literature:

• Dryas integrifolia-Carex aquatilis, 5 relevés (BI-4, 5B, 10, 15 and 19), Elias et al. (1996)
• Included within III.A.2.j., Sedge-Dryas tundra, Viereck et al. (1992).