Sphagnum spp. – peat mosses
Common Name
peat mosses
Family
Sphagnaceae
Scientific Name
Sphagnum spp.
Soil Moisture Regime (SMR)
- Wet (W)
- Very Wet (VW)
Soil Nutrient Regime (SNR)
- Poor (P)
Video link
Image courtesy of the Royal BC Museum and Archives
Photo Gallery
General / Habitat
- There are about 380 species in the Sphagnum genus, with about 40 species in the Pacific Northwest coast
Key Identifying Characteristics
- Form: Individual plants consist of a main stem with tightly arranged clusters of branches called fascicles. The stems grow upright and also possess small stem leaves which are important for species identification. The top of the plant is a compact cluster of young branches called the capitulum.
- Sporophytes: Very similar among all sphagnum species. They have black, shiny capsules on short-lived clear stalks
External References
Sources
Douglas, G.W. et al (Editors). 1998-2002. Illustrated Flora of British Columbia, Volumes 1 to 8. B.C. Min. Environ., Lands and Parks, and B.C. Min. For., Victoria, B.C.
Pojar, J. and A. MacKinnon. 2014. Plants of Coastal British Columbia Including Washington, Oregon & Alaska. B.C. Ministry of Forestry and Lone Pine Publishing. Vancouver, B.C.