Weeds as Soil Indicators
Calcioles and calcifuges
editIt has been known for some time that some plants grow well on high-pH, calcareous soils, whereas others are adapted to acid soils, and are unable to grow on calcareous soils. The reasons for this are, however, less clear. This quote from Encyclopædia Britannica (1911) outlines the problem:[1][2]
"Calcicole and Calcifuge Species.—Plants which invariably inhabit calcareous soils are sometimes termed calcicoles; calcifuge species are those which are found rarely or never on such soils. The effect of lime on plants is less understood even than the effect of common salt. Doubtless, the excess of any soluble mineral salt or salts interferes with the osmotic absorption of the roots; and although calcium carbonate is insoluble in pure water, it is slightly soluble in water containing carbon dioxide. ... It is sometimes said that lime acts as a poison on some plants and not on others, and sometimes that it is the physiological dryness of calcareous soils that is the important factor. In relation to the latter theory, it is pointed out that some markedly calcicole species occur on sand dunes; but this may be due to the lime which is frequently present in dune sand as well as to the physical dryness of the soil. Further, no theory of calciolous and calcifugous plants can be regarded as satisfactory which fails to account for the fact that both kinds of plants occur among aquatic as well as among terrestrial plants."
— Charles Edward Moss
Part of the reason for the difficulty concerning the explanation of the calcicole or calcifuge response to soil pH, is the multiple soil factors that can change as pH changes; aluminium toxicity, manganese toxicity, and molybdenum deficiency are all possible in acid soils, and iron deficiency, manganese deficiency, and zinc deficiency are increasingly likely at higher pH. Some calcifuges appear more susceptable to phosphorus deficiency at high pH, and others grow poorly at high phosphate or bicarbonate concentrations. Soil sodicity, poor soil structure, and waterlogging are more likely at high soil pH - this can compromise the ability of roots to take up phosphorus and potassium. Drought also exacerbates pH-related problems like manganese toxicity and aluminium toxicity.
Ellenberg's indicator values of 1 to 3 for soil pH indicate calcifuges.[3][4]
Examples of calcifuges
editOrder Ericales
edit- Andromeda polifolia (bog-rosemary) - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5] Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 1[3][4] Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.[6] Requires a well-drained, moisture-retentive, lime-free, humus- rich soil and a shady position[133, 182, 200].[6]
- Arctostaphylos alpinus (alpine bearberry) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[4]
- Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[4]
- Calluna vulgaris (common heather) - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5] Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 1[3] or 2.[4] Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.[6] Only succeeds if the pH is below 6.5[186].[6] Cited as an example of a calcifuge in Encyclopædia Britannica (1911).[1] In a trial, this species "grew well on the acid soils but showed poor growth on a calcareous soil."[7]
- Cassiope lycopodioides - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5]
- Daboecia cantabrica (St. Dabeoc's heath) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[4]
- Empetrum nigrum (crowberry) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[4] Cited as an example of a calcifuge in Encyclopædia Britannica (1911).[1]
- Enkianthus campanulatus - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5]
- Erica (but not E. carnea or E. erigena)[5]
- Erica cerinthoides (Fire Heath) - Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils.[6] Requires a light lime-free loam[1]. A calcifuge plant, requiring a pH below 6[186].[6]
- Erica ciliaris (Dorset heath) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 1.[4] In a trial, this species "grew well on the acid soils but showed poor growth on a calcareous soil."[7]
- Erica cinerea (bell heather) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[3][4] In a trial, this species "grew well on the acid soils but showed poor growth on a calcareous soil."[7]
- Erica erigena ?? - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[4] but this is not a true calcifuge as it grows well on both calcareous and acid soils.[7]
- Erica mackaiana (Mackay's heath) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[4] In a trial, this species "grew well on the acid soils but showed poor growth on a calcareous soil."[7]
- Erica tetralix (Bog Heather, Crossleaf heath) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 1[3] or 2.[4] Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils.[6] Requires a light lime-free loam[1]. A calcifuge plant, requiring a pH below 6[186].[6] In a trial, this species "grew well on the acid soils but showed poor growth on a calcareous soil."[7]
- Gaultheria mucronata - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5] Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.[6] Requires a light well-drained lime-free soil[11].[6]
- Gaylussacia frondosa (dangleberry) - Suitable pH range is 3.8 to 5.5.[8]
- Kalmia latifolia (calico bush) - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5] Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.[6] Requires an acid humus-rich soil, succeeding in part shade[182] or in full sun in cooler areas.[6]
- Kalmia procumbens (= Loiseleuria procumbens; alpine azalea) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 2.[4]
- Lyonia lucida (fetterbush lyonia) - Suitable pH range is 3.5 to 6.0.[8]
- Pieris japonica (lily of the valley bush) - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5] Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.[6]Easily grown in a moist acid peaty soil but it requires a sheltered position because the young growth is easily damaged by frost[11, 182, 184, 200].[6] Suitable pH range is 4.2 to 5.5.[8]
- Phyllodoce caerulea (blue heath) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[4]
- Rhododendron (many species of rhododendron and azalea)[5]
- Rhododendron anthopogon - Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. Succeeds in a most humus-rich lime-free soils except those of a dry arid nature or those that are heavy or clayey[1]. A pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is ideal[1].[6]
- Rhododendron arborescens (smooth azalea) - Suitable pH range is 4.2 to 5.7.[8]
- Rhododendron arboreum - Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. Succeeds in most humus rich lime free soils except those of a dry arid nature or heavy or clayey[1]. Requires a pH between 4.5 and 5.5[200].[6]
- Rhododendron atlanticum (dwarf azalea) - Suitable pH range is 4.2 to 5.7.[8]
- Rhododendron campanulatum - Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.[6]
- Rhododendron canadense (rhodora) - Suitable pH range is 4.0 to 5.3.[8]
- Rhododendron canescens (mountain azalea) - Suitable pH range is 4.3 to 5.8.[8]
- Rhododendron indicum - Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.[6]
- Rhododendron japonicum - Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.[6]
- Rhododendron kaempferi - Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. Succeeds in a most humus-rich lime-free soils except those of a dry arid nature or those that are heavy or clayey[1]. A pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is ideal[1].[6]
- Rhododendron luteum - Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.[6]
- Rhododendron maximum (great rhododendron) - Suitable pH range is 4.0 to 5.5.[8]
- Rhododendron molle - Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.[6]
- Rhododendron mucronulatum - Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.[6]
- Rhododendron periclymenoides (pink azalea) - Suitable pH range is 4.3 to 5.5.[8]
- Rhododendron ponticum - Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. Succeeds in a most humus-rich lime-free soils except those of a dry arid nature or those that are heavy or clayey[1]. Prefers a peaty or well-drained sandy loam[1]. A pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is ideal[1].[6]
- Vaccinium corymbosum (northern highbush blueberry) - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5] Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.[6] Requires a moist but freely-draining lime free soil, preferring one that is rich in peat or a light loamy soil with added leaf-mould[11, 200]. Prefers a very acid soil with a pH in the range of 4.5 to 6, plants soon become chlorotic when lime is present. Succeeds in full sun or light shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[200].[6]
- Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5] Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[3][4] Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.[6] Requires a moist but freely-draining lime free soil, preferring one that is rich in peat or a light loamy soil with added leaf-mould[11, 200]. Prefers a very acid soil with a pH in the range of 4.5 to 6, plants soon become chlorotic when lime is present. Succeeds in full sun or light shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[17, 200].[6] Cited as an example of a calcifuge in Encyclopædia Britannica (1911).[1]
- Pitcher plants of the genera Sarracenia, Darlingtonia, and Heliamphora[5]
- Sarracenia purpurea (purple pitcherplant) Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. Plants require continuously moist conditions in a loose compost of sphagnum peat, live sphagnum and coarse acid sand[260].[6]
- Sarracenia flava (yellow trumpet) Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. Plants require continuously moist conditions in a loose compost of sphagnum peat, live sphagnum and coarse acid sand[260].[6]
- Camellia sinensis (Tea plant) - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5] Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. A calcifuge plant, preferring a pH between 5 and 7[11, 200]. Tea is reported to tolerate ... a pH in the range of 4.5 to 7.3[269].[6]
- Camellia japonica (Camellia) - Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. A calcifuge plant, preferring a pH around 5[11, 200].[6]
Order Caryophyllales
edit- Spergula arvensis (corn spurry) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 5.[4] "The species is native and a locally abundant calcifuge weed of arable land, particularly on light sandy soils." "S. arvensis is most commonly found in soil with a pH of 4 6-5 0."[9]
- Drosera (sundew species)[5]
- Drosera intermedia (oblong-leaved sundew) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[3][4]
- Drosera peltata (sundew) - Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils.Prefers a sandy peaty soil, succeeding in poor soils and in bogs[200].[6]
- Drosera rotundifolia (roundleaf sundew) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 1[3] or 2.[4] Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. Prefers a sandy peaty soil, succeeding in poor soils and bogs[1, 200].[6]
- Dionaea muscipula (Venus flytrap) - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5]
Order Lamiales
edit- Ajuga pyramidalis (pyramidal bugle) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 1[3] or 5.[4]
- Galeopsis segetum (downy hemp-nettle) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[3][4]
- Pinguicula (some butterworts)[5]
- Pinguicula vulgaris (common butterwort) - Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. Requires a boggy soil[1].[6]
- Pinguicula hirtiflora var. hirtiflora - diploid (2n = 16), leaves up to 50 mm long, flower size 20–22 mm; peat bog plant, calcifuge. Other varieties of the same species are not calcifuges[10]
- Utricularia (bladderworts)[5]
- Utricularia vulgaris (bladderwort) - Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. A free-floating water plant[188], it requires acid conditions[200] and is most commonly found in deep water[17].[6]
- Utricularia vulgaris (bladderwort) - Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. A free-floating water plant[188], it requires acid conditions[200] and is most commonly found in deep water[17].[6]
Families and species in other orders
edit- Prestoea montana (Sierran palm) - Suitable pH range is 3.6 to 5.5.[8]
- Maianthemum bifolium (false lily of the valley) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3][4]
- Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (black spleenwort) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 5.[4]
- Asplenium septentrionale (northern spleenwort) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[3][4]
- Antennaria dioica (mountain everlasting) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3]or 4.[4]
- Arnica montana (mountain arnica) - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5] Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. Prefers a moist, well-drained humus rich soil, preferably lime-free[200]. One report says that it is often found in calcareous soils in the wild[7]. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.8 to 7.6. Prefers a mixture of sand, loam and peat[1].[6]
- Centaurea nigra (lesser knapweed) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3]or 6.[4] A widespread weed.
- Gnaphalium sylvaticum (heath cudweed) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 4.[3][4] Cited as an example of a calcifuge in Encyclopædia Britannica (1911).[1] A weedy perennial.
- Gnaphalium supinum (dwarf cudweed) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 4.[3][4]
- Hypochaeris glabra (smooth cat's ear) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3]or 4.[4] A widespread weed.
- Petasites frigidus var. sagittatus (arrowleaf sweet coltsfoot) - Suitable pH range is 4.0 to 5.9.[8]
- Athyrium distentifolium (alpine lady-fern) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 6[3]or 3.[4]
- Athyrium flexile (Newman's lady-fern) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[4] Rare.
- Betula nana (dwarf birch) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 1.[3][4]
- Betula pubescens (downy birch) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3]or 4.[4]
- Blechnum spicant (hard-fern) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3]or 3.[4] Cited under its synonym, Blechnum boreale, as an example of a calcifuge in Encyclopædia Britannica (1911).[1]
- Amsinckia menziesii (= Amsinckia micrantha; common fiddleneck) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[4]
- Ananas comosus (pineapple) - Suitable pH range is 4.0-6.0.[8]
- Jasione montana (sheep's bit scabious) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3]or 4.[4]
- Linnaea borealis (twinflower) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[3][4]
- Dianthus deltoides (maiden pink) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 5.[4]
- Illecebrum verticillatum - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[3][4]
- Desfontainia spinosa (taique) - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5] Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. Requires a humus-rich moisture-retentive acid soil in a sheltered position in partial shade[200]. Grows well in sandy soils as long as there is plenty of humus present[245]. Intolerant of alkaline soils and of water-logging[202].[6]
- Cuscuta epithymum (dodder) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[4]
- Cornus florida (dogwood) - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5] Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil of good or moderate fertility[1], ranging from acid to shallow chalk[200]. Dislikes shallow clay soils and chalky soils[98, 182]. Requires a neutral to acid soil according to another report[202].[6]
- Cornus suecica (dwarf cornel) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 1.[4]
- Carex arenaria (sand sedge) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3]or 5.[4]
- Carex bigelowii (Bigelow's sedge) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 1[3]or 2.[4]
- Carex binervis (green-ribbed sedge) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 1[3]or 3.[4]
- Carex canescens (= Carex curta; white sedge) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 4[3]or 3.[4]
- Carex echinata (star sedge) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[3][4] Cited as an example of a calcifuge in Encyclopædia Britannica (1911).[1]
- Carex leporina (= Carex ovalis; oval sedge) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3]or 5.[4]
- Carex limosa (bog-sedge) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3]or 4.[4]
- Carex magellanica (poor sedge) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3]or 2.[4]
- Carex nigra (common sedge) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3]or 4.[4]
- Carex pauciflora (few-flowered sedge) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 1.[3][4]
- Carex pilulifera (pill sedge) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[3][4] Considered a calcifuge by Tyler.[11]
- Carex rariflora (looseflower alpine sedge) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[4]
- Carex rostrata (bottle sedge) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3]or 4.[4]
- Eriophorum vaginatum (hare's-tail cottongrass) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[3][4]
- Isolepis fluitans (floating club rush) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3]or 4.[4]
- Rhynchospora alba (white beak-sedge) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[4]
- Dryopteris aemula (hay-scented buckler fern) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[4]
- Dryopteris expansa (northern buckler fern) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3]or 3.[4]
- Dryopteris oreades (mountain male fern) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[4]
- Pteridium aquilinum (bracken) - "Pteridium can grow over a wide pH range. In the field Pteridium is found on soils with a pH ranging from 2.8 to 8.6 (Willis et al. 1959a,b; Rackham 1980; Koedam et al. 1992), although most bracken is found in moderately acidic soils."[12] Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[3][4]
- Crinodendron hookerianum - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5]
- Elatine hexandra (six-stamen waterwort) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 5.[4]
- Elatine hydropiper (eight-stamen waterwort) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 5.[4]
- Ditrysinia fruticosa (Gulf Sebastian-bush) - Suitable pH range is 4.0 to 6.0.[8]
- Cytisus scoparius (common broom) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 4.[4] Cited as an example of a calcifuge in Encyclopædia Britannica (1911).[1]
- Genista anglica (petty whin) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 3.[4]
- Genista pilosa (hairy greenweed) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 4.[4]
- Lathyrus linifolius (bitter vetch) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 4.[4]
- Ornithopus perpusillus (little white bird's-foot) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 4.[4]
- Ornithopus pinnatus (orange bird's foot) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[4]
- Quercus (Some species of oak[5] - most species tolerate acid, neutral and alkaline soils).[6]
- Quercus dentata (Japanese Emperor oak) - Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils. Prefers an acid soil[188].[6]
- Quercus laevis (turkey oak) - Suitable pH range is 4.0 to 5.8.[8]
- Quercus petraea (sessile oak) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction = 3.[4]
- Cicendia filiformis (the slender cicendia) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction = 3.[3][4]
- Exaculum pusillum (Guernsey centaury) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction = 3.[4]
- Gentiana acaulis (gentian) - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5] Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils. This is an easily grown species, succeeding in most good garden soils, though it prefers a light loamy soil and lime-free conditions[187, 200, 239].[6]
- Gentiana sino-ornata () - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5] "As for lime haters, some, like Gentiana sino-ornata, are absolute calcifuge; others, like Rhododendron impeditum, do not seem to object to lime as such, provided there is enough leafmould or other good food round their roots."[13]Kaisheva 2008 The effect of metals and soil pH on the growth of Rhododendron and other alpine plants in limestone soil[14]
- Corylopsis pauciflora - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5]
- Disanthus cercidifolius - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5]
- Fothergilla major (large fothergilla) - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5] Requires acidic soil.[15]
- Hamamelis vernalis (spring witch hazel) - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5] Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. Dislikes dry limy soils but will succeed in a calcareous soil if it is moist[130]. Prefers a position sheltered from cold drying winds in a neutral to slightly acid soil[200].[6] Vernal witchhazel in alkaline soils often becomes almost white from iron deficiency, particularly on summer growth. Since iron is non-mobile in the plant, the spring growth is normally green and the summer growth yellow to white. Response to iron implants of %-inch diameter on the larger canes has resulted in prevention of chlorosis. [16]
- Huperzia selago (northern firmoss) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 2.[4]
- Hypericum boreale (northern St. John's-wort) - Suitable pH range is 4.4-6.0.[17]
- Hypericum canadense (Canadian St. John's Wort) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[4]
- Hypericum elodes (marsh St John's-wort) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 3.[4]
- Hypericum linariifolium (flax-leaved St John's wort) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[4]
- Hypericum pulchrum (slender St John's-wort) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 4.[4]
- Hymenophyllum tunbrigense (Tunbridge filmy fern) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 2.[4]
- Hymenophyllum wilsonii (Wilson's filmy-fern) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[4]
- Juncus balticus (Baltic rush) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 5.[4]
- Juncus effusus (common rush) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 4.[4]
- Juncus squarrosus (heath rush) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 1[3] or 2.[4]
- Juncus trifidus (highland rush) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 4[3] or 2.[4]
- Luzula arcuata (curved wood-rush) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[4]
- Luzula campestris (field wood-rush) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 5.[4] Considered a calcifuge by Tyler.[11]
- Luzula multiflora (heath wood-rush) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 5[3] or 3.[4]
- Luzula parviflora (small-flowered woodrush) - Suitable pH range is 4.0-5.5.[8]
- Luzula spicata (spiked woodrush) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 4[3] or 3.[4] Suitable pH range is 4.0 to 5.5.[8]
- Diphasiastrum alpinum (alpine clubmoss) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[3][4]
- Diphasiastrum complanatum (groundcedar) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 1.[3][4]
- Lycopodiella inundata (inundated club moss) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 2.[4]
- Lycopodium annotinum (interrupted club-moss) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[3][4] Suitable pH range is 4.0 to 5.3.[8]
- Lycopodium clavatum (stag's-horn clubmoss) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 1.[4]
- Ammannia coccinea (valley redstem) - Suitable pH range is 4.0 to 5.9.[8]
- Myrica gale (bog-myrtle) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[3][4]
- Eucalyptus grandis (flooded gum) - Suitable pH range is 4.0-6.0.[8]
- Eucalyptus saligna (Sydney blue gum) - Suitable pH range is 4.0-6.0.[8]
- Metrosideros polymorpha (ʻōhiʻa lehua) - Suitable pH range is 4.3 to 5.7.[8]
- Narthecium ossifragum (bog asphodel) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[3][4]
- Nyssa aquatica (water tupelo) - Suitable pH range is 4.3 to 5.7.[8]
- Fraxinus caroliniana (pop ash) - Suitable pH range is 3.5 to 6.0.[8]
- Epilobium lanceolatum (spear-leaved willowherb) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 6.[4]
- Epilobium palustre (marsh willowherb) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 5.[4]
- Ludwigia decurrens (willow primrose) - Suitable pH range is 4.0 to 6.0.[8]
- Botrychium lanceolatum (lance-leaf grapefern) - Suitable pH range is 4.4 to 6.0.[8]
- Corallorhiza trifida (early coralroot) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3]or 5.[4]
- Dactylorhiza maculata (heath spotted-orchid) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[4]
- Goodyera repens (creeping lady's-tresses) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[4]
- Hammarbya paludosa (bog adder's-mouth orchid) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[3][4]
- Neottia cordata (= Listera cordata; lesser twayblade) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[3][4]
- Euphrasia frigida (eyebright) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 4.[4]
- Euphrasia micrantha (eyebright) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[3][4]
- Melampyrum pratense (common cow-wheat) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 2.[4]
- Melampyrum sylvaticum (small cow-wheat) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[3][4]
- Orobanche rapum-genistae (greater broomrape) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[3][4]
- Pedicularis sylvatica (common lousewort) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 1[3] or 3.[4]
- Osmunda claytoniana (interrupted fern) - Suitable pH range is 4.0 to 6.0.[8]
- Osmunda regalis (royal fern) - Suitable pH range is 4.0 to 6.0.[8]
- Osmunda spectabilis (American royal fern) - Suitable pH range is 4.3 to 5.2.[8]
- Ceratocapnos claviculata (climbing corydalis) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 4.[4]
- Meconopsis grandis (Himalayan blue poppy) - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5] Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils. The soil should be lime-free, moist, well-drained and moderately rich[200].[6]
- Abies balsamea (balsam fir) - Suitable pH range is 4.0 to 6.0.[8]
- Abies fraseri (Fraser fir) - Suitable pH range is 3.5 to 5.5.[8]
- Larix lyallii (subalpine larch) - Suitable pH range is 3.9 to 5.6.[8]
- Picea abies (Norway spruce) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction = 3.[4]
- Picea rubens (red spruce) - Suitable pH range is 4.0 to 5.8.[8]
- Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction = 2.[4] Suitable pH range is 3.9 to 5.7.[8]
- Pinus clausa (sand pine) - Suitable pH range is 4.2 to 5.5.[8]
- Pinus echinata (shortleaf pine) - Suitable pH range is 4.0 to 6.0.[8]
- Pinus glabra (spruce pine) - Suitable pH range is 3.8 to 5.6.[8]
- Pinus rigida (pitch pine) - Suitable pH range is 3.5 to 5.1.[8]
- Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction = 2.[4]
- Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) - Suitable pH range is 4.2 to 5.7.[8]
- Tsuga caroliniana (Carolina hemlock) - Suitable pH range is 4.2 to 5.9.[8]
- Digitalis purpurea (foxglove) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 4.[4] Cited as an example of a calcifuge in Encyclopædia Britannica (1911).[1]
- Veronica officinalis (heath speedwell) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 4.[4] Considered a calcifuge by Tyler.[11]
- Agrostis canina (velvety bentgrass) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[3][4]
- Agrostis curtisii (bristle bent) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[4]
- Agrostis vinealis (brown bentgrass) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 3.[4]
- Aira praecox (early hair-grass) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 4.[4]
- Anthoxanthum aristatum (awned vernalgrass) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 4.[4]
- Avena sativa (oat) - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5] Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. Plants are reported to tolerate ... a pH of 4.5 to 8.6[269]. The plants are also reported to tolerate aluminium, ...[269].[6]
- Corynephorus canescens (grey hair-grass) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[3][4]
- Danthonia decumbens (heath grass) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 4.[4]
- Deschampsia flexuosa (=Aira flexuosa, wavy hair-grass) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[3][4] Cited under its synonym, Aira flexuosa, as an example of a calcifuge in Encyclopædia Britannica (1911).[1] Considered a calcifuge by Tyler.[11]
- Deschampsia setacea (bog hair-grass) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[3][4]
- Digitaria ischaemum (smooth crabgrass) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 5.[4] A common roadside and garden weed.
- Festuca filiformis (fine-leaved sheep's-fescue) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[3][4]
- Festuca ovina (sheep's fescue) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 4.[4]
- Festuca vivipara (viviparous sheep's-fescue) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[4]
- Holcus mollis (creeping soft grass) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 3.[4] Cited as an example of a calcifuge in Encyclopædia Britannica (1911).[1] Considered a calcifuge by Tyler.[11]
- Molinia caerulea (purple moor-grass) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[4]
- Nardus stricta (matgrass) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 3.[4]
- Poa flexuosa - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[3][4]
- Polygala serpyllifolia (heath milkwort) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2.[3][4] Cited under its synonym, Polygala serpyllacea, as an example of a calcifuge in Encyclopædia Britannica (1911).[1]
- Rumex acetosella (sheep's sorrel) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 4.[4] Considered a calcifuge by Tyler.[11]
- Embothrium coccineum - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5]
- Grevillea rosmarinifolia - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5]
- Cryptogramma crispa (parsley fern) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 2.[4]
- Alchemilla alpina (alpine lady's-mantle) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 4.[4]
- Adenostoma fasciculatum (chamise) - Suitable pH range is 4.0 to 6.0.[8]
- Potentilla argentea (silver cinquefoil) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3[3] or 5.[4] Considered a calcifuge by Tyler.[11]
- Potentilla erecta (tormentil) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[4]
- Rubus chamaemorus (cloudberry) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 1.[4] Cited as an example of a calcifuge in Encyclopædia Britannica (1911).[1] Suitable pH range is 4.0 to 5.2.[8]
- Sibbaldia procumbens (creeping sibbaldia) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 4.[4] Cited under its synonym, Potentilla procumbens, as an example of a calcifuge in Encyclopædia Britannica (1911).[1]
- Galium constrictum (slender marsh-bedstraw) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 3.[4]
- Galium saxatile (heath bedstraw) - Ellenberg value for soil reaction is 2[3] or 3.[4] Cited as an example of a calcifuge in Encyclopædia Britannica (1911).[1] Considered a calcifuge by Tyler.[11]
- Illicium anisatum - Listed as a calcifuge in Collins Complete Garden Manual.[5] Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils. Prefers a humus-rich lime-free soil[182, 200].
- Ulmus laevis (European white elm) - The distribution of U. laevis and U. minor in the Iberian Peninsula may be related to calcifuge versus calcicole characteristics of each species. Whilst calcicole plants are able to take up nutrients when grown in calcareous soils (Zohlen, 2002), calcifuge species growth under high pH, alkaline soil conditions is limited by low nutrient availability especially phosphorus (P; Tyler, 1992; Zohlen and Tyler, 2004), iron (Fe; Zohlen and Tyler, 1997, 2000; Zohlen, 2002), and manganese (Mn; Messenger, 1986; Thomas et al., 1998; Kuster et al., 2013).[18]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Moss, Charles Edward (1911). "Ecology of plants". Encyclopædia_Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 764-765. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
- ^ Moss, Charles Edward (1911). . In Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd ce cf cg ch ci cj ck cl cm cn co cp cq cr cs ct cu cv cw cx cy cz da Ellenberg, H.; Weber, H.E.; Düll, R.; Wirth, V.; Werner, W.; Paulissen, D. (1991). "Zeigerwerte von Pflanzen in Mitteleuropa". Scripta Geobotanica. 18: 1–284.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd ce cf cg ch ci cj ck cl cm cn co cp cq cr cs ct cu cv cw cx cy cz da db dc dd de df dg dh di dj dk dl dm dn do dp dq dr ds dt du dv dw dx dy dz ea eb ec ed ee ef eg eh ei Hill, M.O.; Mountford, J.O.; Roy, D.B.; Bunce, R.G.H. (1999). Ellenberg's indicator values for British plants. ECOFACT Volume 2. Technical Annex (PDF). Institute of Terrestrial Ecology. ISBN 1870393481. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai Collins complete garden manual. United Kingdom: HarperCollins. 1998. p. 336. ISBN 0004140109.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as Plants for a Future. "Plant Database Search". www.pfaf.org. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f Marrs, R.H.; Bannister, P. (1978). "Response of several members of the Ericaceae to soils of contrasting pH and base-status". The Journal of Ecology. 66: 829–834. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao USDA PLANTS Database (2017). "PLANTS Database Advanced Search using minimum and maximum pH". plants.usda.gov. USDA NCRS. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
- ^ New, June K. (1961). "Spergula Arvensis L." Journal of Ecology. 49 (1): 205–215. doi:10.2307/2257434.
- ^ "Spotlight: Pinguicula hirtiflora var. hirtiflora". ngcarnivorousplants.blogspot.co.za. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Tyler, G. (1 June 1996). "Mineral Nutrient Limitations of Calcifuge Plants in Phosphate Sufficient Limestone Soil". Annals of Botany. 77 (6): 649–656. doi:10.1093/aob/77.6.649.
- ^ Marrs, R.H.; Watt, A.S. (November 2006). "Biological Flora of the British Isles: Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn". Journal of Ecology. 94 (6): 1272–1321. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2745.2006.01177.x.
- ^ Lambert, D.P. (1953). "Learning from mistakes" (PDF). The Journal of the Scottish Rock Garden Club. 13: 230–231. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
- ^ Kaisheva, M.V. (2008). The effect of metals and soil pH on the growth of Rhododendron and other alpine plants in limestone soil.
{{cite book}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help) - ^ "Gardening in the Shade" (PDF).
- ^ Smith, E.M.; Treaster, S.A . (1981). "Preventing habitual iron chlorosis of woody landscape plants". Ornamental Plants 1981: A Summary of Research - Research Circular 263 (PDF). Wooster, Ohio: Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. pp. 26–29.
- ^ USDA PLANTS Database. "Conservation Plant Characteristics for Hypericum boreale". plants.usda.gov. USDA NRCS. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
- ^ Venturas, M.; Fernandez, V.; Nadal, P.; Lucena, J.J.; Guzman, P.; Gil, L. (2014). "Root iron uptake efficiency of Ulmus laevis and U. minor and their distribution in soils of the Iberian Peninsula". Frontiers in Plant Science. 5: 104.
Appendices
editFrom Tyler (1996):[1]
Grasses and sedges
- Agrostis capillaris - Not used in list - Ellenberg reaction ratings of 4
- Luzula pilosa - Not used in list - Ellenberg reaction ratings of 5
Herbs
- Scleranthus perennis - Not used in list - Ellenberg reaction ratings of 4.[2][3]
- Viscaria vulgaris - Not used in list - Ellenberg reaction ratings (as Silene viscaria) of 7-8.[2][3]
The complete section from EB1911: "Calcicole and Calcifuge Species.—Plants which invariably inhabit calcareous soils are sometimes termed calcicoles; calcifuge species are those which are found rarely or never on such soils. The effect of lime on plants is less understood even than the effect of common salt. Doubtless, the excess of any soluble mineral salt or salts interferes with the osmotic absorption of the roots; and although calcium carbonate is insoluble in pure water, it is slightly soluble in water containing carbon dioxide. In England, the following species are confined or almost confined to calcareous soils: Asplenium Ruta-muraria, Melica nutans, Carex digitata, Aceras anthropophora, Ophrys apifera, Thalictrum minus, Helianthemum Chamaecistus, Viola hirta, Linum perenne, Geranium lucidum, Hippocrepis comosa, Potentilla verna, Viburnum Lantana, Galium asperum ( = G. sylvestre), Asperula cynanchica, Senecio campestris. The following plants, in England, are calcifuge: Lastraea Oreopteris, Holcus mollis, Carex echinata, Spergula arvensis, Polygala serpyllacea, Cytisus scoparius, Potentilla procumbens, Galium hercynicum ( = G. saxatile), Gnaphalium sylvaticum, Digitalis purpurea. Other plants occur indifferently both on calcareous and on non-calcareous soils.
It is sometimes said that lime acts as a poison on some plants and not on others, and sometimes that it is the physiological dryness of calcareous soils that is the important factor. In relation to the latter theory, it is pointed out that some markedly calcicole species occur on sand dunes; but this may be due to the lime which is frequently present in dune sand as well as to the physical dryness of the soil. Further, no theory of calciolous and calcifugous plants can be regarded as satisfactory which fails to account for the fact that both kinds of plants occur among aquatic as well as among terrestrial plants. Schimper (1903: 102) thinks that in the case of aquatic plants, the difference must depend on the amount of lime in the water, for the physical nature of the substratum is the same in each case. Again, acidic humus does not form in calcareous soils; and hence one does not expect to find plants characteristic of acidic peat or humus on calcareous soils. Some such species are Blechnum boreale, Aira flexuosa, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium, Myrtillus, Rubus, Chamaemorus, Empetrum nigrum, Drosera spp. Some, at least, of these species possess mycorhiza in their roots, and are perhaps unable to live in soils where such organisms are absent.
In England, the number of calcicole species is greater than the number of silicolous species. It would therefore be curious if it were proved that lime acts on plants as a poison. It is said that some plants may be calcicoles in one geographical district and not in another. However, until more is known of the exact chemical composition of natural—as contrasted with agricultural—soils, and until more is known of the physiological effects of lime, it is impossible to decide the vexed question of the relation of lime-loving and lime-shunning plants to the presence or absence of calcium carbonate in the soil. From such points of view as this, it is indeed true, as Warming has recently stated, “that ecology is only in its infancy.” "