Alder Thicket

Counties: Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Columbia, Dane, Douglas, Door, Dunn, Forest, Jackson, Juneau, Kewaunee, La Crosse, Langlade, Marinette, Marathon, Marquette , Monroe, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Polk, Price, Richland, Rusk, Sauk, Sawyer, Shawano, Sheboygan, St. Croix, Taylor, Vilas, Waukesha, Waupaca, Wood

Description:

Wisconsin alder thicket is a type of wetland plant community that is characterized by the presence of dense stands of alder trees (Alnus spp.). This type of community is typically found in areas with poorly drained soils, such as along streams, in low-lying areas, and in wet meadows.

Alder thickets are characterized by a diverse understory of herbaceous plants and shrubs. Some common species found in this community include wildflowers such as cardinal flower, Joe-Pye weed, and turtlehead, as well as shrubs such as willows, dogwoods, and viburnums.

This community type is sometimes a seral stage between northern sedge meadow and northern conifer swamp or northern hardwood swamp, but occurrences can be stable and persist at given locations for long periods of time. This type is common and widespread in northern and central Wisconsin, but also occurs at isolated locales in the southern part of the state.

Alder thickets provide important habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. The dense canopy of alder trees provides shelter and nesting sites for many species, and the wetland habitat supports a diverse community of aquatic organisms.

Alder thickets are also valuable for their ability to absorb and filter water, helping to improve water quality and prevent erosion. In addition, the roots of alder trees are known to improve soil structure and fertility, making them important components of healthy ecosystems. Groundwater seepage is an important attribute of Alder Thickets. 

[Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources]

Alternative Natural Community Names:

Cowardin	Palustrine; scrub/shrub; broad-leaved deciduous
Eggers & Reed	Alder Thicket
Hoffman	Alder Thicket
WDNR	Broad-leaved deciduous scrub/shrub
Shaw	Type 6: Shrub swamp

Typical Plant Species:

[wip_curtiscom_lst_vw filter=”attr::emd_wip_eco_comcurtis::is::alder-thicket;”]

Typical Animal Species:

[wip_ani_curtiscom_lst_vw filter=”attr::emd_ani_natcom::is::alder-thicket;”]

References:

Curtis, John T. The Vegetation of Wisconsin.  University of Wisconsin Press. 1959.

Hoffman, Randolph M. Wisconsin’s Natural Communities: How to Recognize Them, Where to Find Them, second edition. University of Wisconsin Press. 2002.

Shaw, Samual P, and Fredine, C. Gordon. Wetlands of the United States. 1971.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Wisconsin Wetland Inventory Classification Guide. 1992.

nd Them, second edition. University of Wisconsin Press. 2002.