Fewflower sedge – Crowberry
	Carex pauciflora – Empetrum nigrum
	n = 8
	II.C.2.e. Open Low Scrub – Ericaceous Shrub Bog
	Ecosystem:  Relict Lakebed

Fewflower sedge (Carex pauciflora) - crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) is a variation of the many crowberry types that are well described for Alaska.  A fewflower sedge - crowberry type has not been described specifically; a manyflower sedge (Carex pluriflora) - crowberry is the most similar (Batten et. al., 1978; Dachowski-Stokes, 1941; Heusser, 1960; and Schierl and Meyer, 1977; DeVelice et.al., 1999; Boggs, 2000).  Although manyflower sedge is common on the Kenai, and dominates two communities, fewflower sedge also fill the role that manyflower sedge occupies elsewhere.  

Typically, fewflower sedge – crowberry is a mossy, shrubby, hummocky type with fewflower sedge occupying the microtopographic-lows, sometimes with tall cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium).  Ericaceous shrubs (crowberry, dwarf birch (Betula nana), bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), bog cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) and often, Labrador tea (Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens)) occupy microtopographic highs, with the herbs, field horsetail (Equisetum arvense), cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus) and Labrador lousewort (Pedicularis labradorica).  Often, stunted lutz spruce (Picea X lutzii) are present.  

An organic horizon is usually well developed, averaging over 1 meter thick.  The water table can be deep, but is usually encountered within 40 centimeters of the surface.  At the two plots measured pH was very strongly acid (4.6).  All plots sampled are jurisdictional wetlands.   

Table 1. Frequency of occurrence and hydric status of soil series named at NRCS holes.  Bold type indicates soils on the NRCS Alaska hydric soils list. 

Table 2.  Summary of plant frequency and average cover for plants occurring in more than 50% of plots.

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