Bluejoint Stand Establishment Decision Aid

Abstract

Bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis [Michx]. Beauv.), which is also known as Canada bluejoint grass, reedgrass, marsh reed grass, and Scribner’s reed grass, is a commonly occurring indigenous grass found throughout British Columbia. Bluejoint is a natural part of many ecosystems, but openings caused by fire, flooding, insect outbreak, windfall, timber harvesting, or other larger-scale disturbances have locally increased its abundance. Bluejoint has become a problem weed species on some sites in the northeastern part of the province. Its major impact in forestry is at the stand establishment stage where it can aggressively invade disturbed sites, inhibiting natural regeneration and impeding root and shoot development of planted seedlings. Seedling mortality is often an outcome.

This Stand Establishment Decision Aid (SEDA) is a synopsis of key information forest managers in northern British Columbia will need to help understand how to mitigate the impacts of bluejoint. This SEDA describes susceptible site types, hazard ratings, bluejoint development, impacts on forest productivity, other values, and appropriate management practices. The synopsis also includes a short list of references for further reading and contact information for experts on the topic.