USGS Logo: Link to U.S. Geological Survey

Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States

Palustrine System


Definition. The Palustrine System (Fig. 6) includes all nontidal wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent emergents, emergent mosses or lichens, and all such wetlands that occur in tidal areas where salinity due to ocean-derived salts is below 0.5 ‰. It also includes wetlands lacking such vegetation, but with all of the following four characteristics: (1) area less than 8 ha (20 acres); (2) active wave-formed or bedrock shoreline features lacking; (3) water depth in the deepest part of basin less than 2 m at low water; and (4) salinity due to ocean-derived salts less than 0.5 ‰.

Limits. The Palustrine System is bounded by upland or by any of the other four Systems.

Description. The Palustrine System was developed to group the vegetated wetlands traditionally called by such names as marsh, swamp, bog, fen, and prairie, which are found throughout the United States. It also includes the small, shallow, permanent or intermittent water bodies often called ponds. Palustrine wetlands may be situated shoreward of lakes, river channels, or estuaries; on river floodplains; in isolated catchments; or on slopes. They may also occur as islands in lakes or rivers. The erosive forces of wind and water are of minor importance except during severe floods.

The emergent vegetation adjacent to rivers and lakes is often referred to as "the shore zone" or the "zone of emergent vegetation" (Reid and Wood 1976), and is generally considered separately from the river or lake. As an example, Hynes (1970:85) wrote in reference to riverine habitats, "We will not here consider the long list of emergent plants which may occur along the banks out of the current, as they do not belong, strictly speaking, to the running water habitat. " There are often great similarities between wetlands lying adjacent to lakes or rivers and isolated wetlands of the same class in basins without open water.

Subsystems. None.

Classes. Rock Bottom, Unconsolidated Bottom, Aquatic Bed, Unconsolidated Shore, Moss-Lichen Wetland, Emergent Wetland, Scrub-Shrub Wetland, and Forested Wetland.


GIF - Distinguishing Features of Habitats in the Palustrine System
Fig. 6. Distinguishing features and examples of habitats in the Palustrine System.

Previous Section -- Lacustrine System
Return to Contents
Next Section -- Classes, Subclasses, and Dominance Types