Tufted bulrush – Tufted hairgrass
	Trichophorum caespitosum – Deschampsia caespitosa
	n = 7
	III.A.3.f. Subarctic Lowland Sedge Wet Meadow
	Ecosystem: Relict Lakebed; Headwater Fen

Both Shephard (1995), working on the Yakutat forelands, and DeVelice et. al. (1999) on Chugach National Forest, describe tufted bulrush (Trichophorum caespitosum) types that include sites containing significant tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia caespitosa) components.  In the remaining Alaskan literature, tufted bulrush types are described with other sedge or shrub associates (Fox, 1983 and Jaques, 1973, in Viereck, et. al., 1992; Dachnowski-Stokes, 1941; Streveler, et. al., 1973).

Tufted bulrush – tufted hairgrass is found on the southern peninsula, in the Caribou Hills, on Headwater Fens at higher elevations, typically above 400 meters (1300’).  

This type is characterized by high tufted bulrush cover (average = 60%), and a woodland density tufted hairgrass component.  Dwarf birch (Betula nana) and bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia) are present.  Open water and felwort (Swertia perennis) are often present in trace amounts.

The organic horizon is typically greater than one meter (40”) thick, and the water table is usually at or just below the surface.  All seven sites examined are jurisdictional wetlands.   

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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