Scientific name	Equisetum fluviatile – Menyanthes trifoliata mire
Common name	Water Horsetail – Bogbean mire
Community code	FE2A

 

   

Download full pdf synopsis: FE2A

 

Vegetation

This species-poor mire community is distinguished by the presence of a usually abundant layer of Menyanthes trifoliata. Between the broad bogbean leaves typically grow the upright shoots of Equisetum fluviatile. Mentha aquatica is the only frequent species growing alongside these constants. Occasionally, there are some taller swamp species such as Carex rostrata, Phragmites australis or Typha latifolia.

 

Ecology

This is mire or swamp community of mildly acidic and slightly nutrient poor conditions. It is found in the context of lowland fens and margins of mesotrophic lakes and lagoons.

 

Sub-communities

No sub-communities are currently described.

 

Similar communities

The community is more aligned with swamps than the others in the FE2 Menyanthes trifoliata – Potentilla palustris group, and is much less diverse, with the relative importance of Equisetum fluviatile being a key indicator. The FW3G Equisetum fluviatile – Eleocharis palustris swamp, differs from the current assemblage in the absence of Menyanthes and the frequent presence of Eleocharis palustris.

 

Conservation value

This a species-poor community of relatively low conservation value.

 

Management

Typically, this is an unmanaged community. The main threats include drainage, reclamation and eutrophication.