An ecological study of Filipendula rubra (Hill) B.L. Robinson (ROSACEAE)

Abstract

Seed production, plant density, and pollinator abundance of "Filipendula rubra" were measured during the summer of 2002 at four fens: Jackson Bog in northeast Ohio and Gallagher/Springfield Fen, Kiser Lake Wetlands, and Prairie Road Fen in west-central Ohio. In addition, total plant density was measured to assess the effects of competition on seed production. Soil nutrients and associated plant species were also examined at the study sites. Herbarium records were then used to determine the characteristic habitat and geographical distribution of "F. rubra." Pollinator abundance was significantly correlated with "F. rubra" plant density (P<0.01) and the population size of "F. rubra" (P<0.01), and tended to be correlated with viable see production (P=0.10). In addition, total plant density tended to be correlated with seed production (P=0.10). These results suggest that plant density, the population size of "F. rubra," and pollinator abundance may influence the reproduction and establishment of this fen species. The plant species associated with "F. rubra" were "Thelypteris palustris," "Steironema quadriflora," "Potentilla fruticosa," Lythrum salicaria," "Phlox maculata,"Prunella vulgaris," Pychatheum tenuifolium," " Galium aparine," "Andropogon gerardi," and "Silacina stellata." Soil pH ranged from 5.6-7.5, phosophate (P2)2) and potash (K2O) levels were below optimum and magnesium (MgO) and calcium (CaO) levels were above optimum at the study sites. The characteristics habitat of "F. rubra" includes bogs, marshes, meadows, swamps, fens, and prairies in open areas that are wet or moist with limey or calcareous soil. The geographical distribution of "F. rubra" has remained the same, but is found in five fewer counties since historic times (<1960).