Some aspects of the vegetation ecology of the Nanoose–Bonell estuary, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Abstract

A study of the vegetation of the Nanoose – Bonell salt marsh, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, was conducted during the period of May – September 1978. A total of 49 species of vascular plants was identified, 10 of which dominated the flora of the estuarine marsh. Six of those dominant species (Distichlis spicata, Glaux maritima, Salicornia virginica, Triglochin maritimum, Plantago maritima, and Atriplex patula) are tolerant of high salinities. Eight plant communities were identified and mapped within the study area. Aerial biomass was dominated by that of the Carex – channel edge community with a peak aboveground biomass of 1259 g dry weight/m2. Major factors affecting the occurrence and distribution of species within the marsh were salinity of the inundating water, elevation of the marsh platform, and soil texture.