Microscopic Key

This key to Sphagnum species of our area (Vancouver Lower Mainland) was developed as an easy to use tool for students in BIOL 321.

Plant keys are organized into couplets.  You select the couplet that applies to the plant you are identifying and then follow the numbers indicated.  When you key Sphagnum species the first thing to do is determine which section the Sphagnum you are keying belongs.  There are four sections common in our area: Acutifolia, Cuspidata, Sphagnum, and Squarrosa.

Key to Sphagnum Species (online)
Hard copy