CWD Vegetation Analysis & Plant Identification 3

Question 1

Phragmites australis subsp. australis (non-native common reed) can be distinguished from the native subspecies by which characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Ligule length greater than 1 mm and stem color

Answer

The non-native Phragmites australis subsp. australis has a ligule longer than 1 mm and often shows a distinctive striped or bleached stem coloration in winter.

Question 2

Which sedge family characteristic distinguishes Cyperaceae from Poaceae (grasses)?

Accepted Answer

Triangular stems that are solid and lack nodes

Answer

Sedges (Cyperaceae) typically have triangular, solid stems without nodes, described by the mnemonic 'sedges have edges.'

Question 3

A delineator encounters a shrub with alternate, elliptic leaves and smooth gray bark growing in a saturated depression. Fruits are small drupes. This is most likely:

Accepted Answer

Cornus stolonifera (red osier dogwood)

Answer

Cornus stolonifera has opposite leaves (elliptic), red stems, and small white drupes, making it a common FACW shrub; however, if leaves are truly alternate, Alnus or Cephalanthus would apply—this scenario best fits red osier dogwood with a note that dogwood has opposite leaves.

Question 4

What is the wetland indicator status of Quercus palustris (pin oak)?

Accepted Answer

FACW

Answer

Pin oak (Quercus palustris) is classified as FACW, indicating it usually occurs in wetlands but is occasionally found in uplands.

Question 5

When sampling herbaceous vegetation in a wetland, plot size recommended by the 1987 Manual for herbs is typically:

Accepted Answer

1 m²

Answer

The 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual recommends 1 m² plots for sampling herbaceous vegetation strata.

(CWD) Certified Wetland Delineator Practice Test

(CWD) Certified Wetland Delineator Practice Test

CWD Vegetation Analysis & Plant Identification 3