Characteristic species and syntaxonomic position of plant communities with Typha minima in the Alps: a contribution to the choice of restoration sites for a threatened species

Dwarf bulrush (Typha minima Hoppe) is declining throughout Europe. A precise knowledge of its ecological niche is required for successful conservation measures, such as the re-introduction or enhancement of populations and river restoration projects. The aim of this study was to identify ecological conditions (soil types, hydrology, vegetation composition) favourable to the establishment of this species through the analysis of ten natural sites along three rivers in the north-western Alps. Dwarf Bulrush was present in two different plant community types, which both included a mixture of ruderal, alluvial and meadow species. Successional pathways were found to differ between montane and lowland sites. Soils were moist, carbonate-rich and sandy to loamy. Results suggest reconsidering the syntaxonomic position of the association Equiseto-Typhetum minimae and placing it within the morainic and alluvial alliance Epilobion fleischeri. Furthermore, frequent companion species, such as Salix triandra or Calamagrostis pseudophragmites, could be used to identify potentially suitable sites for the re-introduction of this species.