cover was also estimated. The cover synthesis table for the plots is presented 

 in Appendix G. Plant assemblages recorded in the seven 1x1 m sampling 

 plots, from most to least common, are listed below: 



Carex simulata p.a. 



Agrostis stolonifera c.t. and intergradations with the above 

 Juncus balticus c.t. and intergradations with the above 

 Eleocharis pauciflora. p.a. 



Plant associations of Carex simulata and Eleocharis pauciflora as 

 documented in Montana are not reported even in trace amounts at Spiranthes 

 diluvialis sites in other states. These communities have not been reported in 

 Montana apart from montane settings (Hansen et al. 1995) and thermal areas 

 (Lesica 1990). At the nearest out-of-state sites in Idaho, the dominants are 

 silverbery/redtop c.t. (Eleagnus commutat/Agrostis stolonifera cover type; 

 Moseley, pers. commun.). 



Species that have a high constancy at Spiranthes diluvialis sites across its 

 range, not just in Montana, include: Agrostis stolonifera, Juncus balticus, 

 Juncus longistylis, Equisetum laevigatum, and Habenaria hyperborea. A 

 master list of the species associated with Spiranthes diluvialis across its range 

 is compiled in Appendix C following the nomenclatural conventions of Dom 

 (1984). This floristic compilation has inconsistencies between states in 

 representing one to many sites, and in representing either the immediate plant 

 association or including adjoining plant associations, yet it provides an initial 

 basis for comparisons. 



The surroimding wetland vegetation in the rest of the meandered wetlands is 

 highly variable within and among the Montana sites. They are mainly 

 temporarily and seasonally inundated emergent wetland communities, 

 variously dominated by sedges including Carex aquatilis, C. praegracilis, 

 and C. lanuginosa. These sedges are all recognized as widespread wetland 

 dominants (Hansen et al. 1995). At adjoining wetland at the easternmost site 

 in Gallatin County were species more typical of montane wetlands, including 

 tufted hairgras (Deschampsia cespitosa) and Carex scirpiformis. 



Mosses are present at all occurrences, but their cover on the soil surface 

 varies considerably (trace - 50%), probably varying with livestock use 

 patterns and leaf litter accumulation. The three moss species noted to date at 

 EO #001 are calciphilic wetland species. Mosses were identified by Joe 

 Elliott. This rudimentary associated moss flora at one site (#001) included: 

 Amblystegium serpens, Bryum capillare, and Campylium stellatum; two of 

 the three overlap with the moss flora associated with the species in Nebraska 

 (Hildebrandl998). 



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