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Carex utriculata

bladder sedge

Vegetation Composition: Carex utriculata typically exhibits monospecific dominance in this association, with dense cover. Carex nebrascensis, C. simulata, C. aquatilis, and/or Juncus balticus may be present but are usually not abundant in this species-poor association. Litter often accumulates and few species can establish on these organic, permanently saturated or inundated soils. This is why willows are rarely present (Hansen et al. 1995; Manning and Padgett 1995; Crowe and Clausnitzer 1997).

Classification Comments: Carex utriculata plant associations have been described in Oregon (Kovalchik 1993), Nevada (Manning and Padgett 1995), Utah (Padgett et al. 1989), Montana (Hansen et al. 1995), Idaho, Wyoming (Youngblood et al. 1985) and Colorado (Kittel et al. 1999). This sedge forms near monocultures and the plant association is easily identified. Identification can however be complicated as sedges including Carex vesicaria, Carex atherodes, and Carex aquatilis have similar growth form and occupy similar habitat. This sedge species was previously thought to be Carex rostrata, which was included in many plant associations throughout the west. We now know this species as C. utriculata.

Environment: This association is widespread at moderate to high elevations in the mountains and rarely found in low-elevation valleys or on volcanic plains. It occurs in a wide variety of landscape settings, such as in narrow to broad valley bottoms of meadows, seeps, stream terraces and is commonly associated with ponds and sloughs that have silted in. It can occur in standing water or on sites that become relatively dry during the latter part of the growing season. Valley bottom gradients are low (Padgett et al. 1989; Hall and Hansen 1997).

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Soils: Soils are classified as Histisols, Mollisols, Inceptisols, and Entisols. Mineral soils are generally very organic-matter rich and often have an incipient histic epipedon forming at the surface. These soils may eventually become Histisols. Most of the mineral soils are fine-textured and have high water holding capacity. The soils are saturated to the surface well into the summer and the water table is usually within 2 feet of the surface late into the growing season (Crowe and Clausnitzer 1997, and others).

Management Considerations: Though C. utriculata produces large amounts of herbage every year, it apparently is relatively unpalatable to livestock especially as it matures. It is a coarse sedge with high amounts of silica in its leaf cells. The dense network of rhizomes and roots provides excellent streambank stabilization and frequently forms the overhanging banks associated with good fish habitat. These banks may slump if subjected to heavy grazing or trampling (Hansen et al. 1995). This is a good species for restoration by using transplanted rhizomes or commercially available or collected seed (Elzinga and Rosentreter 1999).

Successional Dynamics: Carex utriculata is a widespread species that occupies mineral or organic soils with seasonably high water tables. This association typically colonizes recently formed ponds and/or sites in or adjacent to low-gradient stream channels. It has been observed that C. utriculata has higher cover on sites that are seasonally flooded; continually inundated sites had decreased shoot density. It can colonize permanently flooded sites, often doing so from the outer edge. As soil and litter build up, these sites are more conducive to increased C. utriculata dominance. This species is relatively long-lived and maintains dominance with high soil moisture; associations are at potential for these sites. As soil moisture decreases, other species such as C. nebrascensis, C. simulata, or Deschampsia cespitosa may replace C. utriculata (Manning and Padgett 1995).

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Wildlife Functions: This association performs a vital role in maintaining water quality and aquatic health in headwater streams. Past beaver activity is often evident in this plant association, and Carex utriculata is one of the species likely to pioneer newly-flooded beaver ponds. Palatability appears to be lower than for other sedges such as Carex nebrascensis or C. aquatilis (Padgett et al. 1989). Rhizomes and sprouts are important food for muskrats and are occasionally eaten by waterfowl (Elzinga and Rosentreter 1999). Carex utriculata provides valuable breeding and feeding grounds for waterfowl and snipe. Common yellowthroats, red-winged blackbirds, song sparrows, and tree swallows are commonly associated with this association (Crowe and Clausnitzer 1997).

Distribution: This plant association occurs in Oregon (Kovalchik 1987), Nevada (Manning and Padgett 1995), Utah (Padgett et al. 1989), Idaho, Wyoming (Youngblood et al. 1985; Jones and Walford 1995), Montana (Hansen et al. 1995), and Colorado (Kittel et al. 1999).

References:

Crowe, E. A., and R. R. Clausnitzer. 1997. Mid-montane wetlands classification of the Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. USDA Forest Service R6-NR-ECOL-TP-22-97. Pacific Northwest Region, Portland, OR. 299 pp.

Elzinga, C., and R. Rosentreter. 1999. Draft Riparian and wetland plants of the Intermountain West. Unpublished draft distributed for review by Alderspring Ecological Consulting. Tendoy, ID.

Hall, J. B. and P. L. Hansen. 1997. A preliminary riparian habitat type classification system for the Bureau of Land Management Districts in Southern and Eastern Idaho. Bureau of Land Management Technical Bulletin No. 97-11. 381 pp.

Hansen, P. L., R. D. Pfister, K. Boggs, B. J. Cook, J. Joy, and D. K. Hinckley. 1995. Classification and Management of Montana's Riparian and Wetland Sites. Montana Forest and Conservation Experiment Station, School of Forestry, Missoula, MT. 646 pp.

Jones, G. P., and G. M. Walford. 1995. Major riparian vegetation types of eastern Wyoming. A report submitted to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division, Laramie. 245 pp.

Kittel, G., E. VanWie, M. Damm, R. Rondeau, S. Kettler, A. McMullen, and J. Sanderson. 1999. A classification of riparian wetland plant associations of Colorado: A users guide to the classification project. Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins. 71 pp plus appendices.

Kovalchik, B. L. 1993. Riparian plant associations on the national forests of eastern Washington- Draft version 1. USDA Forest Service, Colville National Forest, Colville, WA. 203 pp.

Manning, M. E., and W. G. Padgett. 1995. Riparian community type classification for the Humboldt and Toiyabe National Forests, Nevada and eastern California. USDA Forest Service R4-ECOL-95-01. Intermountain Region, Ogden, UT. 274 pp.

Padgett, W. G., A. P. Youngblood, and A. H. Winward. 1989. Riparian community type classification of Utah and southeastern Idaho. USDA Forest Service R4-ECOL-89-01. Intermountain Region, Ogden, UT. 191 pp.

Youngblood, A. P., and R. L. Mauk. 1985. Coniferous forest habitat types of central and southern Utah. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report INT-187. Intermountain Research Station, Ogden, UT. 89 pp.

Author/Date(Update): R. K. Moseley/1998-01-02(2001-01-04)