Tufted bulrush – Tall cottongrass
	Trichophorum caespitosum – Eriophorum angustifolium
	n = 17
	III.A.3.k. Subalpine Lowland Sedge-Moss Bog Meadow
	Ecosystem: Relict Lakebed / Drainageway, Kettle

This type is apparently unique to the Kenai.  DeVelice, et. al. (1999) describe a nominally similar type for Chugach National Forest, but with less tufted bulrush (Trichophorum caespitosum) dominance and greater shrub representation (ERIANG - TRICAE).   Dachnowski-Stokes (1941), and Streveler, et. al. (1973) describe a tufted bulrush – cottongrass – whitebeak sedge / sphagnum moss type; and several authors describe tall cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium) types (Boggs, 2000; Craighead, et. al., 1988; Racine and Anderson, 1979; Holowaychuk and Smeck, 1979, in Viereck, et. al., 1992; Racine, 1976), which Viereck, et. al. (1992) list as primarily a tundra (permafrost) type.  

Tufted bulrush – tall cottongrass communities occur on kettles and relict glacial lakebeds and drainageways throughout the lowlands.  

Bulrush dominates the community and cottongrass is present at woodland densities.  Dwarf birch (Betula nanaand bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia) are present, and bog cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccoss usually present in trace amounts.  A sphagnum mat is typically continuous, though sometimes sedge tussocks alternate with low sphagnum hummocks. 

The organic horizon is usually greater than 1.5 meters thick (60”) and the water table is often at the surface or just below it.  The pH was measured at only two sites, a strongly acid 5.4 and 5.5.  All 17 sites visited 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.

Introduction and Key to Plant Communities   Introduction and Key to Ecosystems     Kenai Hydric Soils    Map Unit Summary    Methods   Glossary