Coastal Plain Marsh Community Abstract

Community Range

High water level, Goose Lake, 1990

Top photo by Michael R. Penskar Bottom photo by Dennis A. Albert

Low water level, Goose Lake, 1999

Prevalent or likely prevalent Infrequent or likely infrequent Absent or likely absent

Range: Coastal plain marsh is a Great Lakes Region ranges along the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains. In wetland plant community comprised chiefly of species the upper Great Lakes Region this community occurs from the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains. Coastal along the shores of softwater seepage lakes, ponds and plain marsh occurs on sand deposits associated with depressions where water levels fluctuate both seasonally postglacial lakes and outwash channels in southwest and yearly. Michigan and northern Indiana, northern and central Wisconsin, and the southeastern Georgian Bay region of Coastal plain marsh occurs on sandy, pitted outwash Ontario (Chapman 1990, Reznicek 1994). In southwest plains and sandy lakeplains (Chapman 1990, Kost et al. Michigan and northwestern Indiana, the greatest 2007). Similar to the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains, concentration of coastal plain marshes is found on sand these level outwash plains and abandoned glacial deposits associated with postglacial stages of Lake lakebeds harbor shallow depressions with gently sloping Michigan (Reznicek 1994). sides (Brodowicz 1989, Chapman 1990). Where these depressions reach groundwater and the sandy substrate Global and State Rank: G2/S2 is acidic, coastal plain marsh may occur. The sandy soils underlying coastal plain marsh are strongly to Rank Justification: Coastal plain marshes are rare in very strongly acidic and nutrient poor. Organic deposits the Great Lakes Region and typically occur as small of peat, muck, or sandy peat may overlay the sandy (e.g., less than 50 acres), isolated depressions. In substrate and in some basins a clay layer may occur Michigan, 42 coastal plain marshes have been identified several meters below sand (Chapman 1990). occupying 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares) in all. Their significance as a conservation target is bolstered by Coastal plain marshes typically contain distinct the high numbers of rare plants, most of which occur vegetation zones often occurring as concentric bands as disjuncts from the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains. around the center of depressions, lakes, and ponds. More than 40 rare plants are found associated with These zones may include open water, dense beds of coastal plain marsh in Michigan. The community is floating aquatic plants, and grass and rush dominated very sensitive to hydrologic disturbance and may be moist meadow. Coastal plain marsh may be bordered severely degraded by shoreline development, draining, by several other wetland communities. For example, damming, dredging, or filling. Species diversity may coastal plain marsh along lakeshores is sometimes also be negatively impacted by disturbances to the seed bordered by a floating mat of open bog. Along the upper bank from ORV use (Wisheu and Keddy 1989). margin of the wetland, wet-mesic sand prairie may occur. Lastly, in extensive depressions, shrub-carr and Landscape Context: Coastal plain marsh is a grass- hardwood swamp are often found bordering coastal and rush-dominated wetland community harboring plain marshes. numerous plant species disjunct from their primary

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Coastal Plain Marsh, Page 2

Ecoregional map of Michigan (Albert 1995) depicting distribution of coastal plain marsh (Albert et al. 2008)

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Coastal Plain Marsh, Page 3

The level sandy outwash plains and lakeplains that diverse zone of a coastal plain marsh typically occurs as contain coastal plain marsh depressions also support a graminoid-dominated outer ring and may contain as well drained and droughty upland communities. many as 50-60 different plant species (Chapman 1990). The dry upland communities most commonly found bordering coastal plain marshes today are closed- In the past, fire, in addition to fluctuating water levels, canopy dry southern forest, dry-mesic southern forest, may have played an important role in replenishing and oak-pine forest. However, in presettlement times, the coastal-plain-marsh seed bank. In presettlement prior to fire suppression, the uplands bordering coastal times, coastal plain marshes were frequently bordered plain marshes supported a variety of open-canopy, by fire-dependent barrens and prairies. As fires moved fire-dependent communities including oak openings, through the uplands, they likely spread into adjacent lakeplain oak openings, bur oak plains, oak barrens, coastal plain marshes, especially during drought years oak-pine barrens, sand prairie, mesic sand prairie, and or when water levels were low as in late summer and woodland prairie. early fall. Because fire has been shown to increase seed germination, enhance seedling establishment, Natural Processes: Water level fluctuations occur both and bolster flowering, it likely acted as an important seasonally and yearly. Seasonally water levels tend to mechanism for maintaining plant species diversity and be highest during the winter and spring and lowest in replenishing the seed bank (Glenn-Lewin et al. 1990, late summer and fall. Less predictable are the yearly Warners 1997). water level fluctuations. However, a pattern of short drawdowns of 1-3 years followed by extensive periods Long distance seed dispersal among Midwest coastal of inundation has been recorded for coastal plain plain marshes and between the Midwest and Atlantic marshes in New York (Schneider 1994). Many coastal and Gulf coastal plains is thought to be facilitated by plain marsh species exist only as dormant seeds within migratory waterfowl (Brodowicz 1989). It is possible the soil seed bank during high-water years. Therefore, that waterfowl may also act to restore a species to a site processes that enhance seed germination, seedling where it has been depleted from the seed bank. establishment, and flowering during low-water years are Vegetation Description: The flora of coastal important in maintaining the seed bank. plain marshes is characteristically dominated by Because water level fluctuation facilitates seed monocotyledons, with annual species contributing germination, seasonal drawdowns are critical to the significantly to overall diversity. For the majority of survival on many coastal plain marsh species, especially species, flowering and seed set occurs in late summer annuals. As water levels begin to recede in early and and fall, when water levels are lowest. mid-summer, direct sunlight penetrates the exposed Coastal plain marshes typically contain four vegetation pond shore and triggers seed germination (van der Valk zones (Chapman 1990). 1) The deepest portion of 1981). In addition, with sunlight reaching the substrate, the depression is usually inundated and supports soil temperatures rise during the day before cooling floating aquatic plants. This zone may contain at night. This diurnal temperature fluctuation also Brasenia schreberi (water shield), Nuphar advena stimulates seed germination for many wetland species (yellow pond-lily), Nymphaea odorata (sweet-scented (Thompson and Grime 1983). waterlily), Potamogeton bicupulatus (waterthread Fluctuating water levels also act to reduce competition pondweed), P. illinoensis (Illinois pondweed), from woody plants, which have been shown to P. gramineus (pondweed), Scripus subterminalis outcompete and replace pondshore species (Keddy & (bulrush), Sparganium chlorocarpum (green-fruited Reznicek 1982). When water levels are high, woody bur-reed), and Utricularia species (bladderwort). 2) species are unable to establish and prolonged flooding Occurring along the lower shores and pond margins is may results in tree and shrub seedling mortality. a seasonally flooded zone with sparse graminoid cover where species such as and Eleocharis macrostachya Seasonal water level fluctuations also act as an (tall beak-rush), E. robbinsii (spike-rush), Fimbristylis important mechanism for seed dispersal (Schneider autumnalis (sedge), Fuirena squarrosa (umbrella 1994). As water levels rise during winter and spring, grass), and Psilocarya scirpoides (bald-rush) may seeds deposited along the ponds low-water line float occur. Potamogeton bicupulatus and Nuphar advena to the surface and are carried by wave action to the are often found stranded along this lower shore. 3) In wetland basin’s outer margin. In addition to carrying the saturated soil further from the shore, where seasonal dormant seeds, rising water levels also move sprouting water levels typically reach their peak, is a dense seeds and organic matter into the upper shoreline in graminoid-dominated zone. This is the most floristically early spring (Schneider 1994). This seasonal movement diverse zone and typically includes species such as of plant propagules and organic matter acts to maintain Aster dumosus (bushy aster), Calamagrostis canadensis diversity and nutrient levels at the upper elevations of (blue-joint grass), Carex scoparia (sedge), Cladium the wetland basin (Schneider 1994). Thus, the most mariscoides (twig-rush), Eleocharis melanocarpa

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Coastal Plain Marsh, Page 4

(black-fruited spike-rush), Euthamia remota (coastal state threatened), Carex albolutescens (greenish-white plain flat-topped goldenrod),Gnaphalium obtusifolium sedge, state threatened), Echinodorus tenellus (dwarf (low cudweed), Polygala cruciata (cross-leaved burhead, state endangered), Eleocharis equisetoides milkwort), Rhynchospora capitellata (beak-rush), (horsetail spike-rush, state special concern), E. Rubus hispidus (swamp dewberry), and Sphagnum melanocarpa (black-fruited spike-rush, state special subsecundum (moss). 4) Lastly, many coastal plain concern), E. microcarpa (small-fruited spike-rush, marshes contain a temporarily flooded shrub and tree state endangered), E. tricostata (three-ribbed spike- zone. Shrubs in this zone may include Aronia prunifolia rush, state threatened), Fuirena pumila (umbrella grass, (black chokeberry), Cephalanthus occidentalis state threatened), Gratiola virginiana (round-fruited (buttonbush), Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), hedge-hyssop, state threatened), Hemicarpha micrantha Cornus spp. (dogwoods), Spiraea tomentosa (dwarf bulrush, state special concern), Hypericum (steeplebush), and Vaccinium corymbosum (smooth adpressum (creeping St. John's-wort, state threatened), highbush blueberry). When this zone is underlain by Isoetes engelmannii (Engelmann’s quillwort, state muck, Decodon verticillatus (whorled loosestrife) may endangered), Juncus brachycarpus (short-fruited occur (Brodowicz 1989). If present, the overstory is rush, state threatened), J. vaseyi (Vasey’s rush, state typically comprised of Acer rubrum (red maple), Nyssa threatened), J. scirpoides (round-headed rush, state sylvatica (black gum), Quercus palustris (pin oak), threatened), Lechea pulchella (Leggett’s pinweed, state and occasionally Salix nigra (black willow). Common threatened), L. stricta (bushy pinweed, state special ground-layer species of this zone include Woodwardia concern), Ludwigia sphaerocarpa (globe-fruited virginica (Virginia chain-fern), Bartonia virginica seedbox, state threatened), Lycopodiella margueritae (screw-stem), and Sphagnum mosses (Brodowicz 1989). (northern prostrate clubmoss, state threatened), Lycopodiella subappressa (northern appressed bog If the coastal plain marshes is bordered by dry, open clubmoss, state threatened), Panicum longifolium (long- sand above the high-water line, the following species leaved panic grass, state threatened), P. verrucosum typically occur Aristida purpurascens (three-awned (warty panic grass, state threatened), Polygala cruciata grass), Aureolaria pedicularia (annual false foxglove), (cross-leaved milkwort, state special concern), Helianthemum bicknellii (rockrose), Lechea villosa Potamogeton bicupulatus (waterthread pondweed, (hairy pinweed), and Panicum virgatum (switch grass) state threatened), Platanthera ciliaris (yellow- (Brodowicz 1989). The occurrence of dry, open sand fringed orchid, state endangered), Pycnanthemum above the high-water line instead of forest was probably verticillatum (whorled mountain mint, state special more common prior to fire suppression. concern), Rhexia mariana (maryland meadow beauty, Michigan Indicator Species: The following species state threatened), R. virginica (meadow beauty, state are considered to be indicators for coastal plain marsh special concern), Rhynchospora macrostachya (tall in Michigan: Aristida necopina (three-awned grass), beak-rush, state special concern), R. nitens (short-beak Aster dumosus (bushy aster), Bulbostylis capillaris beak-rush, state endangered), R. scirpoides (bald-rush, (sedge), Cyperus rivularis (umbrella sedge), Eleocharis state threatened), Sabatia angularis (rose pink, state robbinsii (spike-rush), Eriocaulon septangulare threatened), Schoenoplectus hallii (Hall’s bulrush, state (pipewort), Euthamia remota (coastal plain flat- threatened), Scirpus torreyi (Torrey’s bulrush, state topped goldenrod), Fimbristylis autumnalis (sedge), special concern), Scleria pauciflora (few-flowered nut- Hemicarpha micrantha (dwarf-bulrush), Hypericum rush, state endangered), S. reticularis (netted nut-rush, canadense (Canadian St. John’s-wort), Juncus biflorus state threatened), S. triglomerata (tall nut-rush, state (two-flowered rush), J. pelocarpus (brown-fruited special concern), Sisyrinchium atlanticum (eastern blue- rush), J. scirpoides (round-headed rush), Lycopodiella eyed-grass, state threatened), Sporobolus heterolepis inundata (bog clubmoss), Panicum spretum (panic (prairie dropseed, state special concern), Triplasis grass), Rhynchospora capitellata (beak-rush), Rotala purpurea (sand grass, state special concern), Utricularia ramosior (tooth-cup), Scleria triglomerata (tall nut- inflata (floating bladderwort, state endangered), andU . rush), Scirpus smithii (bulrush), Spiranthes tuberosa subulata (bladderwort, state threatened). (little ladies’-tresses), Stachys hyssopifolia (hyssop Rare animal species associated with coastal plain hedge-nettle), Triadenum virginicum (marsh St. John’s- marsh in Michigan include: Lepyronia gibbosa wort), Viola lanceolata (lance-leaved violet), and Xyris (Great Plains spittlebug, state special concern), torta (yellow-eyed-grass). Orphulella pelidna (green desert grasshopper, state Other Noteworthy Species: Rare plants associated special concern), Papaipema beeriana (blazing star with coastal plain marsh in Michigan include: Aristida borer, state special concern), P. sciata (culvers root longespica (three-awned grass, state threatened), borer, state special concern), Spartiniphaga inops A. tuberculosa (beach three-awned grass, state (Spartina moth, state special concern), Acris crepitans endangered), Bartonia paniculata (panicled screw-stem, blanchardi (Blanchard’s cricket frog, state threatened),

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Coastal Plain Marsh, Page 5

Clemmys guttata (spotted turtle, state threatened), Dispersal of plant propagules among coastal plain Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding’s turtle, state special marshes may allow for the restoration of species that concern), Terrapene c. carolina (Eastern box turtle, have been lost from a site (Schneider 1994). The loss of state special concern), Pantherophis spiloides (gray any single coastal plain marsh may negatively impact ratsnake, state special concern), Sistrurus c. catenatus population dynamics at other sites by eliminating (Eastern massasauga, state special concern), Botaurus opportunities for long distance dispersal of propagules lentiginosus (American bittern, state special concern), which otherwise may have diversified the gene pool or Buteo lineatus (red-shouldered hawk, state threatened), replaced depleted species. Haliaeetus leucocephalus (bald eagle, state special Research Needs: Because many rare, disjunct species concern), Nycticorax nycticorax (black-crowned night occur only within a site’s seed bank during extended heron, state special concern), Rallus elegans (king rail, periods of inundation, studies aimed at determining state endangered), Cryptotis parva (least shrew, state factors effecting seed viability and seed bank threatened), and Microtus pinetorum (woodland vole, maintenance are critical research needs. Long-term state special concern). studies of seed viability under both flooded and dry Conservation and Management: Protection of the conditions for rare, disjunct coastal plain marsh species regional and local hydrologic regime is critical to are especially needed. Seed bank studies of historical the long-term preservation of coastal plain marsh sites which have been permanently flooded or drained communities (Schneider 1994). When the water may help answer questions of long-term seed viability levels are stabilized, perennials and woody species for some species. may become established displacing less competitive Because coastal plain marshes occur within a fire- annuals. Conversely, water level fluctuation promotes maintained landscape, studies aimed at understanding domination by coastal plain marsh annuals. Even small the effects of fire on species composition and its role in changes in hydroperiod may cause significant shifts in seed bank expression and maintenance are also needed. wetland community composition and structure. Thus, conservation strategies aimed at protecting coastal Studies comparing species genetic diversity within sites plain marsh ecosystems must address groundwater and among sites will help managers better understand management. the importance of long-distance propagule dispersal in maintaining species genetic diversity. During extended periods of inundation many coastal plain marsh species may exist only as seeds within the Similar Communities: Intermittent wetland, wet-mesic seed bank. Seed bank maintenance, including periodic sand prairie expression and rejuvenation during low water years, is critical to the long-term survival of many coastal plain Other Classifications: marsh species, especially annuals. Soil erosion resulting Michigan Department of Natural Resources from ORV use within the wetland or surrounding (MDNR): L, lowland brush; N, marsh; V, bog; Z, water. uplands may greatly disturb the seed bank, reducing plant density and diversity (Wisheu and Keddy 1989). Michigan Resource Information Systems (MIRIS): For species that depend on recruitment from the seed 6 (Wetlands), 612 (Shrub/Scrub Wetland), 6129 (Shrub bank such as annuals, significant soil disturbances may Swamp, Other), 62 (Non-Forested (non-wooded) result in extirpation from the site. Wetlands), 621 (Aquatic Bed Wetland), 622 (Emergent Wetland), 623 (Flats). Because most coastal plain marshes occur adjacent to fire-dependent communities such as oak barrens, The Nature Conservancy National Classification: oak-pine barrens, and sand prairies, it is likely that in CODE; ALLIANCE; ASSOCIATION; COMMON the past, fires commonly spread through the wetland, NAME especially during droughts or in late summer and V.A.5.N.k.23; Rhynchospora spp. - Rhexia virginica fall when water levels are lowest. Though there has seasonally flooded herbaceous alliance;Rhynchospora been no specific research directed at the impacts of capitellata - Rhexia virginica - Rhynchospora scirpoi- fire on coastal plain marshes, fire does promote seed des - Scirpus hallii Herbaceous Vegetation; Beak rush bank expression and rejuvenation in other wetland - Meadow beauty - Beak rush - Bulrush sp. Herbaceous community types. Thus, seed bank maintenance Vegetation; Inland Coastal Plain Marsh. using prescribed fire may be a desirable management objective. In addition, fires during drawdown years or Related Abstracts: Lakeplain wet prairie, lakeplain during times of extended drought may help prevent wet-mesic prairie, oak barrens, oak-pine barrens, woody species from establishing. panicled screw-stem, appressed bog club moss, meadow beauty, blazing star borer, culvers root borer, Blanding’s turtle, Eastern box turtle, Eastern massasauga, red-shouldered hawk, woodland vole.

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Coastal Plain Marsh, Page 6

Selected References: Abstract Citation: Albert, D.A. 1995. Regional landscape ecosystems of Michi- Kost, M.A. and M.R. Penskar. 2000. Natural gan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin: A working map and community abstract for coastal plain marsh. classification. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-178. St. Paul, MN: Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Lansing, MI USDA, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment 6 pp. Station, St. Paul, MN. http://nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/242 (Ver- sion 03JUN1998). 250 pp. Albert, D.A., J.G. Cohen, M.A. Kost, B.S. Slaughter, and Updated June 2010. H.D. Enander. 2008. Distribution maps of Michigan’s Copyright 2004 Michigan State University Board of Natural Communities. Michigan Natural Features Inven- Trustees. tory, Report No. 2008-01, Lansing, MI. 174 pp. Brodowicz, W.W. 1989. Report on the coastal plain Michigan State University Extension is an affirmative- flora of the Great Lakes Region. Michigan Natural action, equal-opportunity organization. Features Inventory, Lansing, MI. Funding for abstract provided by Michigan Department Chapman, K.A. 1990. Community characterization of Natural Resources’ Forest Management Division and abstract: coastal plain marsh. Midwest Regional Wildlife Division. Office of The Nature Conservancy, Minneapolis, MN. 6 pp. Glenn-Lewin, D. C., L. A. Johnson, T W. Jurik, A. Akey, M. Leoschke, and T. Rosberg. 1990. Fire in central North American grasslands: vegeta- tive reproduction, seed germination, and seedling establishment. Pp. 28-45 in S. L. Collins and L. L. Wallace (eds.), Fire in North American tallgrass prairies, University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, OK. Keddy, P.A. and A.A Reznicek. 1982. The role of seed banks in the persistence of Ontario coastal plain flora. American Journal of Botany 69: 3-22. Kost, M.A., D.A. Albert, J.G. Cohen, B.S. Slaughter, R.K. Schillo, C.R. Weber, and K.A. Chapman. 2007. Natural Communities of Michigan: Classifi- cation and Description. Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Report Number 2007-21, Lansing, MI. 314 pp. Reznicek, A.A. 1994. The disjunct coastal plain flora in the Great Lakes Region. Biological Conservation 68:203-215. Schneider, R. 1994. The role of hydrologic regime in maintaining rare plant communities of New York’s coastal plain pondshores. Biological Conservation 68:253-260. Thompson, K. and J.P. Grime. 1983. A comparative study of germination responses to diurnally- fluctuating temperatures. Journal of Applied Ecology 20:141-156. van der Valk, A.G. 1986 The impact of litter and annual plants on recruitment from the seed bank of a lacustrine wetland. Aquatic Botany 24:13-26. Warners, D.P. 1997. Plant diversity in sedge meadows: effects of ground water and fire. Ph.D. Diss., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. 231 pp. Wisheu, I.C. and P.A. Keddy. 1989. The conservation and management of a threatened coastal plain plant community in eastern North America (Nova Scotia, Canada). Biological Conservation 48:229-238.

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552