palustrine

Palustrine refers to a category in the Cowardin et al. system of wetland classification used by the United States and other countries. It designates inland, non-tidal wetlands that are not associated with lakes, rivers, or estuaries. The term derives from Latin palus, meaning swamp or marsh. In this framework, palustrine units are distinct from Marine, Estuarine, Riverine, and Lacustrine systems.

Palustrine wetlands cover a wide range of habitats, from marshes and swamps to bogs, fens, and wet meadows. They are typically shallow and vegetation-driven, with land cover dominated by emergent herbaceous plants, scrub/shrub, or forested vegetation. Water may be present permanently or seasonally, and soils are generally hydric. Palustrine areas may be permanent or intermittent wetlands and can occur in depressions, floodplains, or upland margins.

In land-use planning and environmental assessments, palustrine wetlands are mapped and described to assess ecological function and habitat value. The classification helps standardized communication about wetland types, supports regulatory programs, habitat conservation, and biodiversity assessments. The term is most commonly used in North America but is recognized in broader wetland literature.