Barclay willow / Bluejoint
	Salix barclayi / Calamagrostis canadensis
	n = 26
	II.C.(2)g. Open Low Willow Scrub
	Ecosystem: Riparian

DeVelice et. al. (1999) document Barclay willow / Bluejoint  (SALBAR/CALCAN) on Chugach National Forest.  The Natural Resource Conservation Service describes a “willow - grass” “ecosite” that is also identical.  Similar Barclay's willow (Salix barclayi) types are noted for the rest of Alaska, but these lack abundant bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis) cover, and are usually found on different landscapes (Viereck, et. al., 1992).

This widespread, common type occupies nearly all stream margins on the lowlands, particularly south of Clam Gulch.

Along Starisky Creek, Barclay willow is exceptionally tall, generally over 2 m, elsewhere a low to medium height, open Barclay willow stand is mixed with dense bluejoint cover.  Few other plants are common, although Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium acutiflorum) and arctic blackberry (Rubus arcticus) are present, and field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) are usually present in low abundance.  

The organic horizon is typically thin, and a histic epipedon (20 cm thick organic horizon) is lacking.  The water table can be shallow, or deep, but flooding can be common.  The pH was moderately acid at the four sites where it was measured (average = 5.7).  This type usually indicates a jurisdictional wetland is present, and 19 of the 26 sites visited meet hydric soils criteria.

Table 1. Frequency of soil series occurrence and hydric status 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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