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BFNA
Title: Sphagnaceae |
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Editoral Note: Asterisks
are inserted to control placement of the dot in the dot maps. Other codes
should be self-explanatory. 2. SPHAGNACEAE Dumortier Cyrus B. McQueen Richard E. Andrus Plants with branches in fascicles, branches
usually of spreading and pendent types but rarely spreading only. Protonemata
thallose. Leaves usually of two distinctly different types; branch leaves
that are normally inrolled and broadest ca. 1/4--1/3 the distance from the
base, more or less tapered to a cucullate to involute apex; stem leaves more
or less flat and usually broadest at the base; both leaf types of a network
of hyaline, dead cells and green chlorophyllose cells; pores and reinforcing
fibrils frequent in branch leaf hyaline cells and uncommon in stem leaf
hyaline cells. Rhizoids lacking. Sporophyte consisting of a spherical
capsule with pseudostomata on capsule surface, a very short seta, and a foot,
exserted on a pseudopodium of gametophyte tissue. Spores
released by explosive opening of operculum. The sphagnum mosses, or peat mosses, are not only unique
morphologically but also ecologically.
With their abundant clear cells they can retain up to 25 times their
dry weight in water, and a uniquely powerful acidifying power permits
sphagnum to direct succession wherever conditions are suitable for them to
flourish. Much of the earth’s surface
with a cool humid climate is dominated, thus, by sphagnum peatlands. Genus 1, species ca. 285 (89 species
in the flora): nearly worldwide. 1. SPHAGNUM Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 2: 1106. 1753 * [Greek
sphagnos, an unknown plant] Plants typically with upright stems, young
branches arranged spirally around stem at growing apex into a capitulum,
branches clustered into fascicles along stem, stem and branch leaves of
alternating inflated, S-shaped to rhomboid hyaline cells and narrow linear
chlorophyllous cells, hyaline cells typically fibrillose and porose on branch
leaves. Protonema typically 1-stratose, gametophyte developing from
lateral margin. Stems differentiated into a central cylinder of thin-walled
parenchymatous cells, merging into a cylinder of thick-walled cortical cells
surrounded by 0--4 layers of thin-walled inflated cells, superficial layer of
cells usually aporose, but may be porose.
Stem leaves may be less
fibrillose or efibrillose and less porose or aporose than the branch leaves,
often septate, a distinct border of narrow linear chlorophyllous cells often
along margins and at base, and with a greater width:length ratio than branch
leaves in anisophyllous forms, partly differentiated in hemiisophyllous
forms, and identical in isophyllous forms.
Branches typically
dimorphic as spreading and pendent branches, but some species lack branches
or branches are not clearly differentiated, pendent branches typically more
slender than spreading branches and with a tendency to adhere to and cover
the stem. Branch fascicles typically with 2 spreading and 1--2 pendent
branches, but there may be up to 12(--14) per fascicle. Branch
stems typically green, with a superficial layer of inflated retort cells;
these grouped or solitary, usually porose at the distal end with a
conspicuous or inconspicuous neck. Branch leaves with 2/5 phyllotaxy, of
a 1-stratose network of alternating chlorophyllous and hyaline cells; hyaline
cells usually S-shaped, rarely rhomboid, nearly always strengthened with conspicuous
spiral fibrils, small to large, round to elliptic and sometimes ringed pores
occur along commissures or rarely on cell lumen, convex surface typically
with more pores per cell than concave surface; chlorophyllous cells may be
enclosed on both surfaces, more broadly exposed on one surface or equally
exposed on both surfaces as viewed in transverse section, adjacent cell walls
typically smooth, but various types of cell wall projections may be clearly
visible in transverse section. Sexual condition dioicous or
monoicous; stalked globose antheridia borne at the tips of branches usually
with swollen colored tips of branches near capitulum; long-necked archegonia
borne on short branches singly surrounded by perichaetial leaves that are
typically longer than branch leaves. Capsule spherical, brown to black, lacking
an annulus or peristome with a operculum convex; spore sac amphithecial in
origin, over-arching columella. Calyptra membranous. Spores
tetrahedral, with prominent trilete mark, fine to coarse superficial surface,
distal surface may have raised Y-mark, bifurcated Y-mark sculpture, or none. Species 250 (89 in the flora); primarily in boreal regions but also
in cool, moist montane and oceanic habitats such as nutrient-poor and acidic
wetlands and mires; worldwide in distribution excepting Antarctica. The concept of species in the genus is controversial. We have followed the lead of P. Isoviita
(1966) and K. I. Flatberg (1994) in the recognition of species. H. A. Crum (1984) and others (R. E. Daniels
and A. Eddy 1985; A. L. Andrews 1958, 1959) have adopted more conservative
taxonomic species concepts for species in the Northern Hemisphere. Discussion of the spores above is from T.
Cao and D. H. Vitt (1986); for additional discussion of the protonema see C.
McQueen (1988). Microscopic features can be observed by using a concentrated aqueous
or alcohol solution of Crystal Violet.
A 50% solution of alcohol and Methylene Blue or Safranin Red can be
used, but these usually do not stain features such as minute pores, fibrils,
wall thinnings, and surface sculpture on the chlorophyllous cells. The number and kinds of branches should be
determined, individual stem and branch leaves (from the middle of a spreading
branch) should be examined from the distal 2 cm of the plant, and the
superficial surface of stem cortical cells may need examination as well as do
cross sections of branch leaves and stems. SELECTED REFERENCES Andrus, R. E. 1980. Sphagnaceae (Peat Moss Family) of New York
State. New York State Mus. Bull. 442. Crum, H. A. 1984. Sphagnopsida, Sphagnaceae. North
American flora, Series II, Part 11. New
York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York. Daniels,
R. E. and A. Eddy. 1990. Handbook of European Sphagna. Institute of
Terrestrial Ecology, Huntingdon. Flatberg,
K. I. 2002. The Norwegian Sphagna: A field colour guide. NTNU Vitenskapsmuseet Rapp. Bot. Ser. 2002--1: 1--44 + 54 plates. Isoviita, P. 1966. Studies on Sphagnum L. 1. Nomenclatural
revision of the European taxa. Ann.
Bot. Fennici 3: 199--264. McQueen, C.
B. 1990. Field Guide to the peat mosses of Boreal
North America. London. Nyholm, E. 1969. Illustrated moss flora of Fennoscandia II. Musci 6: 647--799. Lund. 1. Outer stem cortical cell
walls reinforced with spiral fibrils 1. Outer stem cortical cell
walls smooth. 2. Outer cortical cells of branches
nearly all porose at distal end; branch leaves with denticulate margins and
bordered with resorption furrow 2. Outer cortical cells of branches
of two kinds, smaller aporose cells and larger retort-shaped cells with pore
at apical end; branch leaf margins usually entire. 3. Fascicles of 7 or more
branches 1h. Sphagnum
sect. Polyclada, p. XXX 3. Fascicles of 6 or fewer
branches. 4. Branch leaf hyaline cells
efibrillose, but see S. splendens in sect. Cuspidata 4. Branch leaf hyaline cells
fibrillose. 5. Branch and stem leaves
isophyllous; branches in fascicles of 2--3, spreading and pendent branches
similar, or plants may have single or no branches; hyaline cells of branch
leaves usually with numerous pores along the commissures, giving a bead-like
appearance; chlorophyllous cells of branch leaves in transverse section
barrel-shaped, truncate-elliptic to trapezoidal, exposed equally on both
surfaces or slightly more broader on the convex surface 5. Branch and stem leaves
usually anisophyllous; 3--6 branches per fascicle, spreading branches clearly
differentiated from pendent branches; hyaline cells of branch leaves with
scattered pores along the commissures; chlorophyllous cells of branch leaves
in transverse section triangular, truncate-trapezoidal to elliptical and may
be more broadly exposed on either surface. 6. Branch leaf chlorophyllous
cells triangular to trapezoidal, exposed much more broadly on concave or
convex surface 7. Chlorophyllous cells of
branch leaves triangular to trapezoidal in transverse section, more broadly
exposed on the convex surface; in plants with stellate capitula, the branches
between the rays of the capitulum occur in pairs; stem leaves often hanging
downward on the stem 7. Chlorophyllous cells of
branch leaves triangular to trapezoidal in transverse section, more broadly
exposed on the concave surface; in plants with stellate capitula, the
branches between the rays of the capitulum single; stem leaves upright on the
stem............... 1i. Sphagnum sect. Acutifolia, p. XXX 6. Branch leaf chlorophyllous cells lenticular, truncate-elliptic to trapezoidal;
exposed more or less equally on both surfaces or slightly more broadly on
convex surface. 8. Stem leaves with apex broad
and fimbriate; branch leaves often squarrose from an enlarged clasping base; interior
surface of chlorophyllous cells often finely papillose. 1d. Sphagnum sect. Squarrosa, p. XXX 8. Stem leaves with apex
obtuse and entire to erose; branch leaves straight, slightly subsecund, or
slightly recurved; interior surface of chlorophyllous cells always smooth. 9. Branch leaves with broad
truncate toothed apex, hyaline cells with pores in cell ends and angles 9. Branch leaves with rounded,
untoothed or weakly toothed apex, hyaline cells on convex surface with
numerous pores along commissures 1a. Sphagnum Linnaeus sect. Sphagnum Plants typically large, with distinct capitulum;
green, pale green, yellowish, red, tan, brown to dark brown. Stems
green, brown or reddish, outer cortex of 3--4 layers of inflated, thin-walled
cells, superficial cells with conspicuous to faint spiral fibrils, no or
strong ornamention on interior wall, and 1--6 round to ovate pores per cell. Stem
leaves typically as large as or larger than branch leaves, lingulate to
ovate-lingulate with broad rounded apex, border fringed; hyaline cells rhomboid,
efibrillose or fibrillose, sometimes ornamented, aporose, 0--2-septate, and
often resorbed on exterior surface. Branches dimorphic, spreading branches
tumid, pendent branches usually shorter and more slender. Branch
fascicles with 2--3 spreading branches and 1--3 pendent branches. Branch
stems green, surrounded by 1 layer of enlarged thin-walled cells, typically
porose and fibrillose, in some species ornamented on interior wall; retort
cells absent. Branch leaves ovate to broadly ovate, apex cucullate and
roughened on convex surface; margin toothed; hyaline cells fibrillose; convex
surface pores round to elliptic, usually with 1 at each corner of three
adjacent hyaline cells; chlorophyllous cells lenticular to triangular,
sometimes with wall ornamentation visible in transverse section;
chlorophyllous cells enclosed, equally exposed, or more broadly exposed on
concave surface, end walls thickened or onthickened. Sexual
condition usually dioicous. Capsule 2 mm or more. Spores
typically 22--30 \um, distal surface sculpture may be present; proximal
laesura usually more than 0.5 spore radius. Species 54 (12 in the flora): worldwide in distribution
excepting Antarctica. 1. Branch leaf chlorophyllous
cells in transverse section more or less equilateral-triangular, often with
conspicuous vertically oriented comb-fibrils on the hyaline cells where
overlying chlorophyllous cells. 2. Branch cortical cells with funnel-like
projections often extending halfway or more into the next cell; branches strongly
clavate and blunt 2. Branch cortical cells with
flat end walls or with weak funnel-like projections extending less than
halfway into the next cell; branches not clavate or if clavate, with pointed
ends. 3. Interior layer of stem
cortical cells with distinct comb-lamellae; branch leaves with or without comb-lamellae;
stem leaves without comb-lamellae............................................... 1.
Sphagnum
affine 3. Interior layer of stem
cortical cells without comb-lamellae or at least not visible with a light
microscope; branch leaves with comb-lamellae; stem leaves with or without
comb-lamellae. 4. Stem leaf hyaline cells
with distinct comb-lamellae; branches clavate andpointed; branches leaves
strongly imbricate 4. Stem leaf hyaline cells
with distinct comb-lamellae; branches not clavate; branch leaves more or less
spreading. 5. Stem leaves short (ca. 0.8--1.1
mm); branch leaves broad (breadth:length ca. 0.7--0.8), branch leaf
comb-lamellae usually distinct only in lower half of leaf; branch cortical
comb-lamellae present; plants yellow to golden brown 5. Stem leaves long (ca 1.1--1.5
mm.); branch leaves narrow (breadth:length ca. 0.6--0.68), branch leaf
comb-lamellae distinct throughout most of leaf; branch cortical cell
comb-lamellae usually absent; plants dark brown 12. Sphagnum steerei 1. Branch leaf chlorophyllous
cells in transverse section narrowly triangular, trapezoidal,
truncate-elliptic, elliptic or lenticular; comb-fibrils if present
horizontally oriented. 6. Branch leaf chlorophyllous
cells in transverse section short elliptic, elliptic to lenticular, and
enclosed on both surfaces. 7. Branch leaf chlorophyllous
cells in transverse section short-elliptic and well enclosed; plants purplish
red when pigmented 7. Branch leaf chlorophyllous
cells in transverse section narrowly elliptic and slightly enclosed on both
surfaces; plants brown when pigmented. 8. Branch leaf chlorphyllous
cells in transverse section without thickened ends walls; superficial stem
cortical cells with reinforcing fibrils weak or absent; branch leaf hyaline
cells where overlying chlorophyll cells often with comb-fibrils 8. Branch leaf chlorphyllous
cells in transverse section with thickened end walls; superficial stem
cortical cells with strong reinforcing fibrils; branch leaf hyaline cells
where overlying chlorophyllous cells smooth.................. 4.
Sphagnum
centrale 6. Branch leaf chlorophyllous
cells in transverse section narrowly triangular, rectangular to
truncate-elliptic, exposed equally on both surfaces or more broadly on the
convex surface. 9. Branch leaf hyaline cells
where overlying chlorophyllous cells papillose............................................... 9. Sphagnum papillosum 9. Branch leaf hyaline cells
where overlying chlorophyllous cells epapillose. 10. Superficial stem cortical
cells with fibrils weak or lacking; chlorophyllous cells rectangular to truncate-elliptic,
exposed equally on both surfaces............ 10.
Sphagnum
perichaetiale. 10. Superficial stem cortical
cells with strong fibrils; chlorophyllous cells triangular exposed more
broadly on concave surface. 11. Branch leaf hyaline cells
where overlying chlorophyllous cells often with irregular worm-like ridges,
especially at the leaf base; pores on the convex surface numerous, small and round
to elliptic........................... 5. Sphagnum
henryense 11. Branch leaf hyaline cells
smooth throughout; pores on the convex surface elliptic to flattened-elliptic,
not numerous 1. Sphagnum affine Renauld
& Cardot, Rev. Bryol. 12: 44. 1885 Sphagnum imbricatum
subsp. affine (Renauld &
Cardot) Flatberg; S. imbricatum var. affine (Renauld & Cardot) Warnstorf; S. imbricatum var. laeve Warnstorf Plants moderate-sized and lax to somewhat
compact, +/- stiff-stemmed; moderate-sized to large, forming lawns or low,
loose hummocks; green, yellow-brown to golden-brown and often tinged with
brown to purplish brown; capitulum +/- flat in lax open-grown forms to +/-
rounded and compact in open grown forms.
Stems brown, superficial
cortical layer with spiral reinforcing fibrils clearly visible, usually 2 or
more pores per cell, comb-fibrils visible on interior wall. Stem
leaves to 1.3--1.9 x 0.6--1.2 mm; rarely hemiisophyllous; hyaline cells
non-ornamented, nonseptate or sometimes septate. Branches
+/- tapering, leaves loosely imbricate to spreading and often squarrose in
shade forms. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and 2--3 pendent branches. Branch
stems with cortical cell comb-lamellae weakly differentiated on interior wall,
no or weak funnel-like projections on the interior end walls, pores in superficial
wall mostly restricted to leaf attachments.
Branch leaves ovate to
ovate elliptical, 1.5--2 x 0.9--1.6 mm; hyaline cells on convex surface with
elliptic to more often round pores along the commissures, comb-lamellae can
be present, but often absent or restricted to leaf bases; chlorophyllous
cells broadly triangular in transverse section and well-enclosed on the
convex surface; end wall not thickened.
Sexual condition dioicous. Capsule
with scattered pseudostomata . Spores 27--31 \um; granulate on both
surfaces; laesura on proximal surface less than 0.5 the spore radius. Widespread and often ruderal, wide variety of minerotrophic wetlands,
especially abundant in forested mires; Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S., P.E.I.;
Ala., Ark., Conn., Del., D.C., Fla., Ga., Ill., Ind., Ky., La., Maine, Md.,
Mass., Miss., Mo., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio., Okla., Pa., S.C., Tenn.,
Tex., Vt., Va., W.Va.; Europe. Capsules fairly common, mature early to late summer. This species may occur elsewhere but the
taxonomy is unclear (K. I. Flatberg 1984).
Although species of Sphagnum
sect. Sphagnum are notoriously
difficult to tell apart in the field, S.
affine is typically smaller than S. centrale,
S. palustre, and S. papillosum,
the other brown species of this section with which it may occur. It is also much more likely to have
somewhat squarrose branch leaves, especially in shade forms. 2. Sphagnum alaskense R.
E. Andrus & Janssens, Bryologist 106: 435, fig. 1, 3. 2003 E Plants moderate-sized to robust, +/- weak-stemmed
and compact, capitulum conspicuously large and flat-topped; pinkish brown to red-brown;
compact low hummocks and hummock sides.
Stems brown, superficial
cortical layer with spiral reinforcing fibrils lacking or faint, usually 2 or
more pores per cell, comb-fibrils lacking on interior wall. Stem
leaves to 1.7 x 1.2 mm; rarely hemiisophyllous; hyaline cells nonseptate
to occasionally septate, comb-lamellae absent. Branches
long and tapering. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and
2 pendent branches. Branch stems with hyaline cells
non-ornamented, no or weak funnel-like projections on the interior end walls,
often with large round pores on the superficial wall. Branch
leaves broadly ovate, to 3 x 2.3 mm; hyaline cells on proximal half of
convex surface with elliptical pores along the commissures, often with ridges
running parallel to long leaf axis on hyaline cell surface overlying
chlorophyllous cells; chlorophyllous cells elliptical and just enclosed on
both surfaces in transverse section; end walls not thickened. Sexual
condition dioicous. Capsule not seen. Spores unknown. Poor to medium fens and mineral edges of ombrotrophic mires;
B.C.**c**; Alaska**c,AI,PH**, Wash. Sphagnum alaskense
most resembles S. magellanicum and S. centrale in its
chorophyll cell cross-section. The
cross-section characteristic is most similar to that of S . centrale but S. alaskense lacks thickened walls. Sphagnum
alaskense also apparently does not
have any range overlap with S. centrale, with the latter species
being more of a boreal forest species.
Sphagnum alaskense occurs in more open and less
mineral rich sites near the coast. Sphagnum magellanicum has more
well-enclosed chlorophyll cells and usually has some purplish coloration color,
whereas S. alaskense often has a quite distinctive pinkish brown color
which, along with its often large flattened capitula, can give it a
distinctive look in the field. 3. Sphagnum austinii Sullivant
in C. F. Austin, Musci Appal. 1: 3. 1870 F Sphagnum cymbifolium
subsp. austinii (Sullivant) J.
Cardot; S. cymbifolium var. austinii
(Sullivant) Warnstorf; S. imbricatum subsp. austinii (Sullivant) Flatberg Plants moderate-sized to large, usually quite
compact; reddish brown and often yellow flecked with red-brown; in dense
stands forming large and tall hummocks.
Stems brown, superficial cortical
cells with spiral reinforcing fibrils clearly visible , usually 2 or more
pores per cell , comb-fibrils lacking on interior wall. Stem
leaves 1.2--1.6 x 1 mm; rarely hemiisophyllous; hyaline cells nonseptate
or more typically mostly septate, comb-lamellae present on interior wall. Branches
clavate, tapering to short point, tightly imbricate at proximal end to
somewhat spreading at distal end in less compact forms. Branch
fascicles with 2 spreading and 1 pendent branch. Branch
stems with cortical cell comb-lamellae visible on interior wall,
conspicuous funnel-like projection on interior end walls extending to next
cell less than one half its length, pores in superficial wall restricted to
leaf bases. Branch leaves ovate-elliptical to elliptical, 1.5--2.1 x 0.8--1.4
mm; hyaline cells on convex surface with numerous moderate-sized round pores
along the commissures, comb-lamellae present throughout most of leaf;
chlorophyllous cells broadly triangular in transverse section and
well-enclosed on the convex surface, end wall not thickened. Sexual
condition dioicous. Capsule with scattered pseudostomata. Spores
23--28 \um; coarsely granulate on both surfaces; proximal laesura more than
0.50 spore radius. Ombrotrophic mires and large hummocks in blanket mires; B.C.**c**,
N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S.; Alaska**PH**, Maine, Mass., N.J., Vt.,
Wash.; Europe. Capsules common, mature mid-summer.
Sphagnum austinii is usually
easily recognized in the field by its strongly imbricate and clavate branches. It forms very dense and often tall hummocks
with a distinct deep golden brown color.
In contrast to the view stated by H. A. Crum (1997), this species has
an ecology and distribution quite distinct from S. affine. Sphagnum affine is a minerotrophic species that does not even occur in the
Pacific coast region, where S. austinii is quite prominent. 4. Sphagnum centrale C. E. O. Jensen in Arnell & C. E.
O. Jensen, Bih. Sv. Vet.-Akad. Handl. 21, 3(10): 34. 1896 Sphagnum palustre
subsp. intermedium Russow; S. subbicolor
Hampe Plants moderate-sized to robust, capitulum
compact and well rounded in open grown forms, lax to somewhat compact; green
in shade forms to golden yellow to golden brown in open-grown forms,
occasionally with a pinkish tinge; lawns, loose low hummocks to larger, +/-
firm hummocks. Stems pale brown to brown, superficial cortical cells with spiral
reinforcing fibrils clearly visible, 2 pores or more per cell, comb-fibrils
lacking on interior wall. Stem leaves to 1.2--2.2 x 0.8--1 mm;
rarely hemiisophyllous: hyaline cells non-ornamented, rarely septate,
comb-lamellae absent. Branches tapering, leaves spreading
to somewhat imbricate. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and
1--2 pendent branches. Branch stems with cortical cells non-ornamented,
no or weak funnel-like projections on the interior end walls, often with
large round pores on the superficial walls.
Branch leaves broadly
ovate, to 1.7 x 1.5 mm; hyaline cells non-ornamented, convex surface with
elliptic to rarely round pores along the commissures; chlorophyllous cells
lenticular to narrowly elliptical in transverse section, narrowly exposed on
both ends, but more so on concave surface, end walls thickened at both ends. Sexual
condition dioicous. Capsule with inconspicuous pseudostomata. Spores
23--30 \um; surface finely roughened to smooth; laesura on proximal surface
more than 0.50 spore radius. Capsules uncommon, mature late summer. Medium to rich fens, especially prominent
in coniferous fens and sedge fens; Greenland**c**; Alta.**n**, B.C.**n**, Nfld.
and Labr. (Nfld.), N.W.T.**c**, N.S., Ont.**c**, P.E.I., Que.**c**, Sask.**n**;
Conn., Idaho, Ill., Ind., Iowa, Maine, Mass., Mich., Minn., Mont., N.H.,
N.J., N.Y., Ohio, Pa., Vt., Wash., Wis.; Eurasia. Sphagnum centrale
is most similar to S. alaskense but seems to have no range
overlap and is also considerably more minerotrophic. In the field it lacks the often reddish
tinge of S. palustre and is larger then S.
affine. See also discussion of 2. S. alaskense
and 9. S. papillosum. 5. Sphagnum henryense Warnstorf,
Hedwigia 39: 107. 1900 Sphagnum henryense
var. bartlettii Warnstorf Plants moderate-sized to robust, capitulum
typically flat, +/- 5-radiate and with terminal bud slightly visible; green,
pale green, to pale pinkish brown tinged with brown to reddish brown; forming
carpets or low hummocks. Stems pale green to brown;
superficial cortical layer with spiral reinforcing fibrils clearly visible, usually
4 or more pores per cell, comb-fibrils lacking on onterior wall. Stem
leaves to 1.9 x 1 mm; rarely hemiisophyllous; hyaline cells
non-ornamented, nonseptate or septate.
Branches +/- tapering to a
point, leaves spreading to moderately imbricate. Branch
fascicles with 2 spreading and 2 pendent branches. Branch
stems with hyaline cells non-ornamented; funnel-like projections absent
from interior end walls, large round pores on superficial walls. Branch
leaves ovate, to 2.7 x 1 mm; hyaline cells on convex surface with
numerous small round pores along the commissures, cell walls overlying chlorophyll
cells often with a network of irregular worm like ridges although they may be
lacking; chlorophyllous cells isosceles-triangular to narrowly ovate
triangular in transverse section and just enclosed on convex surface,end wall
not thickened. Sexual condition dioicous.
Capsule with numerous
pseudostomata . Spores 24--29 \um; surface finely papillose to nearly smooth. Poor to medium fens, common in wooded fens and pond margins;
B.C.**c**, Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S., P.E.I.; Ala., Alaska**PH**, Ark.,
Calif., Conn., Del., D.C., Fla., Ga., Ill., Ind., La., Maine, Md., Mass.,
Mich., Miss., Mo., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Okla., Oreg., S.C., Tenn., Tex.,
Vt., Va., W.Va., Wis.; Asia (Japan?). The typical form of Sphagnum
henryense is a large plant with a quite
flat capitulum with a small terminal bud.
Microscopically, typical material has distinct ridges on the branch
leaf hyaline cells and relatively small and round pores on the branch leaf
hyaline cell convex surface. Sphagnum palustre, which has the same branch leaf chlorophyll cell cross section,
typically has smooth hyaline cell walls and hyaline cell pores that are
larger and more elliptical in shape. However,
Sphagnum species are plastic
phenotypically and it is common to find plants that cannot be reliably
assigned to either S. henryense or S. palustre. For example, some species of Sphagnum that are relatively easy to
distinguish on other characteristics, such as S. papillosum, S. alaskense and S. affine, may
occasionally completely lack any hyaline cell ornamentation or display it in
reduced form. Since these can be
distinguished on other characters, the species are still readily identifiable,
but when S. henryense lacks the ornamentation, there is no other solid
character to distinguish it from S.
palustre. Thus, although we can find material from
both North American coasts that has good ornamentation (R. E. Andrus 1980),
there is much other material that looks in other respects like S. henryense
but lacks the ornamentation. Barring
taxonomy beyond microscopic examination, many collections of henryense/palustre will of necessity not be absolutely identifiable. Where their ranges overlap, mixed stands
may often be found. We believe that
the species are still good, but accurate delimitation of their distinctive
ecologies and ranges will be very problematic. 6. Sphagnum imbricatum Russow,
Beitr. Kenntn. Torfm. 99. 1865 E F Plants moderate-sized, weak-stemmed, lax;
yellowish- to golden-brown; forming loose carpets; branches loosely imbricate. Stems
yellow to brown, superficial cortical layer with spiral reinforcing
fibrils visible, 1 or more pores/cell, comb-fibrils on interior wall. Stem
leaves short-rectangular, 0.8--1.1mm, hyaline cells mostly non-septate
and lacking comb-fibrils. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and
1--2 hanging branches. Branch stems with hyaline cells non-ornamented,
no or weak funnel-like projections on the end walls of cortical cells,
cortical cell walls usually with large round pores. Branch
leaves ovate to ovate- elliptical, 1.4--1.8 mm; hyaline cells on convex
surface with numerous pores along the commissures; comb-lamellae obvious only
in lower 1/2 of leaf; chlorophyllous cells broadly triangular in transverse section
and well-enclosed on the convex surface.
Sexual condition dioecious. Spores
(22) 24--27(--28) mu \um, surface granulate. Ecology poorly known; Alaska**w**. K. I. Flatberg’s (1984) revision of Sphagnum imbricatum considered this taxon to be East Asian in
distribution but a recent collection in Selawik National Wildlife Refuge
places it in the North American flora.
It will undoubtedly be found elsewhere. Sphagnum
imbricatum is closest in
morphological detail to S. steerei,
but S. steerei is a very dark
colored and densely branched species whereas S. imbricatum is quite light in color and not particularly dense. 7. Sphagnum magellanicum Bridel,
Musc. Recent. 2(1): 24. 1798 Plants moderate-sized to robust, somewhat lax in
shade forms to quite compact and stiff in open grown forms; green to pinkish green
to reddish purple; forms lawns in shaded habitats and low to moderately tall,
dense hummocks in open habitats. Stems green to purplish red,
superficial cortical cells with spiral reinforcing fibrils clearly visible,
usually 1 or 2 pores per cell, comb-fibrils lacking on interior wall. Stem
leaves to 2 x 0.7 mm; rarely hemiisophyllous; hyaline cells non-ornamented,
mostly nonseptate. Branches long and tapering to short
and pointed, leaves loosely imbricate.
Branch fascicles with 2--3
spreading and 2--3 pendent branches. Branch stems with hyaline cells
non-ornamented; no or weak funnel-like projections on the interior end walls,
large round pores on superficial cell wall.
Branch leaves broadly
ovate, to 2 x 1 mm or more wide, broadly ovate, hyaline cells non-ornamented,
convex surface with round to elliptic pores along the commissures;
chlorophyllous cells short-elliptic in transverse section and well-enclosed
on both surfaces. Sexual condition dioicous.
Capsule with numerous pseudostomata. Spores
22--30 \um; roughly papillose to nearly smooth, with distinct Y-mark
sculpture on distal surface; proximal laesura 0.50--0.80 spore radius. Capsules mature mid-summer. Ecological
amplitude very wide, ombrotrophic to rich fen peatlands, forested and open
mires; Alta.**c**, B. C.**c**, Man.**c**, N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.W.T.**c**,
N.S., Ont.**c**, P.E.I., Que.**c**, Sask.**n**, Yukon **c**; Ala., Alaska**c,AI,PH**, Ark., Calif.,
Conn., Del., Fla., Ga., Idaho, Ill., Ind., Ky., La., Maine, Md., Mass.,
Mich., Minn., Miss., Mo., Mont., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Oreg., Pa.,
S.C., Tenn., Tex., Vt., Va., Wash., W.Va., Wis.; South America; Eurasia. As the only boreal species of Sphagnum
sect. Sphagnum with a reddish
purple color, S. magellanicum is usually easy to
identify. The branch leaf chlorophyll
is capable of being confused only with S.
alaskense, which is less enclosed
on both surfaces, and S. centrale, and having thickened end
walls on the chlorophyll cells that give them a narrow exposure on the
concave surface. 8. Sphagnum palustre Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 2: 1106. 1753 Sphagnum cymbifolium (Ehrhart) R. Hedwig Plants moderate-sized to robust, strong-stemmed,
lax to somewhat compact, capitulum somewhat flattened to more typically
compact and rounded; green to golden brown to pale brown with often a pinkish
tinge; carpets to more or less compact, low to moderate sized hummocks. Stems
brown, superficial cortical cells with spiral reinforcing fibrils visible,
usually 2--4 pores per cell, comb-fibrils lacking on interior wall. Stem
leaves to 1.7 x 1 mm, occasionally longer; rarely hemiisophyllous;
hyaline cells non-ornamented, nonseptate.
Branches long and tapering,
leaves +/- imbricate to spreading in shade forms. Branch
fascicles with 2 spreading and 2 pendent branches. Branch
stems with hyaline cells non-ornamented; no or weak funnel-like
projections on the interior end walls, often with 1 large pore per cell on
superficial cell walls. Branch leaves broadly ovate, 2.2 x 1.3
mm, hyaline cells non-ornamented, convex surface with elliptic pores along
the commissures, chlorophyllous cells isosceles-triangular to
ovate-triangular in transverse section and just enclosed to just exposed on
the convex surface; end wall not thickened.
Sexual condition dioicous. Capsule
with numerous pseudostomata. Spores 24--33 \um, surface finely
papillose to smooth, distal surface with distinct bifurcated Y-mark
sculpture; proximal laesura more than 0.60 spore radius. Capsules mature mid to late summer.
Widespread in forested fens and poor to rich sedge fens; B.C.**c**,
N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S., Ont.**s**, P.E.I., Que.**s**; Ala.,
Ark., Calif., Conn., Del., Fla., Ga., Ill., Ind., Iowa, Ky., La., Maine, Md.,
Mass., Mich., Minn., Miss., Mo., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Okla., Oreg.,
Pa., S.C., Tenn., Tex., Vt., Va., Wash., W.Va., Wis.; Europe; Pacific
Islands. Sphagnum palustre may occur elsewhere than listed above, but
the taxonomy is unclear. In some
open-grown situations, S. palustre may have a reddish tinge that
may seem similar to S. magellanicum, but this is a pinkish
red color rather than the purplish red of the latter. See discussions of S. henryense and S. papillosum
for distinction from those species. 9. Sphagnum papillosum Lindberg,
Acta Soc. Sci. Fenn. 10: 280. 1872 Sphagnum cymbifolium
var. papillosum Schimper; S. papillosum
var. laeve Warnstorf; S. papillosum
var. sublaeve Röll; Sphagnum waghornei Warnstorf Plants moderate-sized to fairly robust;
strong-stemmed and generally compact, capitulum usually not much enlarged;
greenish brown to deep golden-brown; forming compact carpets in floating mats
and depressions as well as dense stands on hummock sides and low hummocks. Stems
brown, superficial cortical layer with spiral reinforcing fibrils visible;
usually 1--2 pores per cell, comb-fibrils lacking on interior wall. Stem
leaves to 1.3 x 0.7 mm; rarely hemiisophyllous; hyaline cells
non-ornamented, mostly septate. Branches generally short and blunt,
leaves spreading. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and 2--3 pendent branches. Branch
stems with hyaline cells non-ornamented, no or weak funnel-like
projections on the interior end walls, mostly with 1 pore per cell on
superficial cell wall. Branch leaves broadly ovate, 1.7 x 1
mm; hyaline cells on convex surface with round to elliptic pores along the
commissures, hyaline cell walls covered with papillae where overlying
chlorophyllous cells; chlorophyllous cells trapezoidal to truncate elliptic
in transverse section, equally exposed on both surfaces or less exposed on
convex surface, end walls thickened. Sexual condition dioicous. Capsule
with numerous pseudostomata. Spores 26--36\um; more roughly papillose
on distal surface than proximal surface, distinct raised, bifurcated-Y mark
sculpture on distal surface; proximal laesura 0.50 spore radius or more. Capsules mature mid to late summer.
Very common in very poor to poor fen mire habitats where it is often a
major peat former, but scarce to absent in truly ombrotrophic peatlands
sites; B.C.**c**, N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S, Ont.**c**, P.E.I., Que.**c**,
Yukon, **s**; Alaska**c,AI,PH**, Calif., Conn., Del., Ill., Ind., Maine, Md.,
Mich., Minn., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Oreg., Pa., S.C., Vt., Wash., W.Va.,
Wis.; Eurasia. Sphagnum papillosum is often easily field-identifiable by its
rich golden-brown to dark brown color and short, blunt branches. Nearly all specimens have the papillae on the
branch leaf chorophyll cells but a few smooth forms have been found. Such forms will have stem leaves with
divided hyaline cells whereas in the confusable species S. palustre and S. centrale
such cells are rare or absent. 10. Sphagnum perichaetiale Hampe, Linnaea 20: 66. 1847 Sphagnum brevicaule
Warnstorf; S. cymbifolium var. ludovicianum Cardot; S.
harperi Warnstorf; S. ludovicianum
(Cardot) Warnstorf Plants +/- moderate-sized, compact and stiff-stemmed;
forming dense to somewhat loose low cushions in often seasonally dry
depressions. Stems brown; superficial cortical layer with spiral reinforcing
fibrils faint to obvious, 1--3 pores per cell, comb-fibrils lacking on
interior wall. Stem leaves to 1.1 x 0.7 mm, commonly hemiisophyllous; hyaline
cells non-ornamented, mostly 1--2-septate.
Branches short and blunt at
distal end, leaves loosely spreading. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and
1--2 pendent branches. Branch stems with hyaline cells non-ornamented,
no or weak funnel-like projection of end walls of cortical cells, cortical
cells with one large pore per cell on superficial wall. Branch
leaves ovate, to 2.2 x 1.1 mm; ovate, hyaline cells non-ornamented, on
proximal half of convex surface with small ringed pores or pseudopores in
groups of three where the corners join and pseudopores along the commissures;
chlorophyllous cells narrowly rectangular, lenticular to narrowly trapezoidal
in transverse section; exposed equally on both surfaces or more broadly on
concave surface; end walls not thickened.
Sexual condition dioicous. Capsule
with numerous pseudostomata. Spores 25--39 \um; surface smooth to
irregularly and finely papillose; indistinct Y-mark on distal surface;
proximal laesura more than 0.60 spore radius. Capsules common, mature late spring to early summer. Mostly ruderal, wet depressions in sandy
substrates, often in areas recently burned, also low to moderate-sized
hummocks in Chamaecyparis swamps;
Ala., Del., Fla., Ga., La., Md., Miss., N.J., N.C., S.C., Tex., Va.; South
America; se Asia; s Africa; Pacific Islands (New Zealand). The compact growth form in thin but dense mats and occurrence in
often dessication-prone sites distinguishes Sphagnum perichaetiale from any other species of section Sphagnum. The often quite stiffly spreading branch
leaves give it a strong resemblance to S.
compactum, but S. compactum’s small
triangular stem leaves will readily distinguish that. The branch leaf hyaline cells of S. perichaetiale
also have only a few pores on their convex surface, and these are typically
small, thickened and grouped in 3s where the cell corners meet. Similar species in sect. Sphagnum have more pores along the
commissures, and these pores are more elliptical and not thickened. The often hemiisophyllous stem leaves are
also diagnostic of S. perichaetiale within sect. Sphagnum. 11. Sphagnum portoricense Hampe,
Linnaea 25: 359. 1852 Sphagnum sullivantianum
Austin Plants moderate-sized to often quite robust, +/- weak-stemmed,
lax; green, bluish green, green and brown to dark golden brown, often
speckled in appearance; found submerged in shallow water, stranded along
shore lines in loose carpets. Stems brown, superficial cortical
layer with spiral reinforcing fibrils clearly visible, usually many pores per
cell (1--6), comb-fibrils on interior wall.
Stem leaves 1.1 x 1 mm;
rarely hemiisophyllous; hyaline cells non-ornamented, frequently septate. Branches
clavate and rounded at distal end. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and
2 pendent branches. Branch stems with hyaline cell
comb-lamellae visible on interior cortex wall, cortical cell end walls with
conspicuous funnel projections more than 1/2 length of cell, superficial
cortical wall aporose. Branch leaves broadly ovate, 2.4 x 1.7
mm; hyaline cells on convex surface with numerous round pores along the commissures,
comb-lamellae on hyaline cell walls where overlying chlorophyllous cells;
chlorophyllous cells broadly triangular in transverse section and
well-enclosed on the convex surface. Sexual condition dioicous. Capsule
with pseudostomata. Spores 22--29 \um; finely papillose
on both surfaces; indistinct triradiate ridge on distal surface; proximal
laesura 0.5--0.6 spore radius. Stream channels, shallow ponds, coniferous and hardwood swamps and
pocosins; Ala., Fla., La., N.J., N.Y., N.C., S.C., Tex.; Mexico; West Indies;
South America. Sphagnum portoricense is normally very easily distinguished
because of its wet growing habit and strongly clavate branches. 12. Sphagnum steerei R.
E. Andrus, Bryologist 90: 218. 1987 F Sphagnum imbricatum
var. arcticum Flatberg, Norske
Vidensk. Selsk. Skr. 3: 46. 1984 Plants moderate-sized to large, compact and
stiff-stemmed with upswept branches; dark green and brown, dark chesnut
brown, brown to blackish brown, often with bluish tinge when dry; forming
dense low to moderately tall hummocks. Stems
dark brown, superficial cortical layer with spiral reinforcing fibrils
visible, usually 2 or more pores per cell, comb-fibrils lacking on interior
wall. Stem leaves to 1.2 x 0.8 mm; rarely hemiisophyllous; hyaline
cells mostly nonseptate, comb-lamellae usually absent, but sometimes weak. Branches
short and blunt-tipped, leaves spreading.
Branch fascicles with 2
spreading and 1 pendent branch. Branch stems with hyaline cells non-ornamented,
no or weak funnel-like projections on the end walls of cortical cells,
cortical cell walls usually with large round pores. Branch
leaves ovate to ovate-elliptical, 1.6--2.2 x 1 mm; hyaline cells on
proximal half of convex surface with round to elliptic pores along the
commissures; comb-lamellae on hyaline cell wall where overlying
chlorophyllous cells; chlorophyllous cells broadly triangular in transverse
section and well-enclosed on convex surface, end wall not thickened. Sexual
condition dioicous. Capsule unknown. Spores
unknown. Commonly in firm-bottomed poor to medium fen vegetation, subarctic to
Arctic regions; Man.**n**, N.W.T.**c**, Nunavut**c**, Que.**n**, Yukon,**c**;
Alaska**c**; e Asia. Sphagnum steerei is usually easily recognized in the field
by its dense growth habit and dark brown color. Its ecology is somewhat unclear due to
taxonomic confusion with S. imbricatum in the strict sense and S. austinii
(R. E. Andrus 1987). The latter is the
only species in the imbricatum
complex where S. steerei occurs. Contrary to the view of H. A. Crum (1997), S. steerei is quite distinct from S. affine
and S. austinii. There is no
range overlap with either of these species and the macroscopic appearance is
also quite different. 1b. Sphagnum
sect. Rigida
(Lindberg) Limpricht in G. L.
Rabenhorst, Krypt. Fl. ed. 2, 4(1): 116. 1885 Sphagnum [unranked] Rigida Lindberg, Öfvers. Förh. Kongl. Svenska Vetensk.-Akad. 19:
135. 1862 Plants low-growing in loose mats to compact
cushions, capitulum often indistinct or concealed by upwardly directed
branches; pale green, straw-colored brownish to reddish. Stems
with superficial cortex of 1--3 layers of efibrillose, inflated, thin-walled,
non-ornamented, and aporose cells. Stem leaves much smaller than branch
leaves, triangular-lingulate, border entire and broadened at base; hyaline
cells rhomboid, efibrillose, nonornamented, aporose, and usually nonseptate;
hyaline cells not resorbed on either, surface. Branches
strongly dimorphic, spreading branches much stronger than pendent branches. Branch
fascicles with 2--3 spreading branches and 2(--3) pendent branches. Branch
stems green, green to brownish, surrounded by 1 layer of efibrillose, non-ornamented,
inflated, thin-walled, uniporse cells with slight protruding necks. Branch
leaves ovate to ovate-lanceolate, apex broadly truncate, smooth and
toothed; margin denticulate; hyaline cells fibrillose, smooth or papillose,
convex surface with +/- 5 small to medium-sized free pores, sometimes
numerous pseudopores, concave surface with large pores in cell angles;
chlorophyllous cells elliptic to ovate-triangular in transverse section,
completely enclosed or exposed on concave surface, end walls unthickened. Sexual
condition monoicous or dioicous. Capsule 2 mm or less, with numerous
pseudostomata. Spores mean diameter more than 30 \um, raised Y-mark sculpture on
distal surface; proximal laesura more than 0.3 spore radius. Species 5 (2 in the flora): worldwide in distribution excepting
Antarctica. 1. Chlorophyllous cells of
branch leaves elliptic in transverse section and completely enclosed on both
surfaces, adjacent hyaline cell walls smooth; stem leaves lingulate to
oblong-triangular......... 13. Sphagnum
compactum 1. Chlorophyllous cells of
branch leaves elongate-triangular to ovate-triangular, enclosed on the
adaxial surface and exposed on the convex surface, adjacent hyaline cell
walls minutely papillose; stem leaves bluntly deltoid.. 14. Sphagnum
strictum 13. Sphagnum compactum Lamarck & de Candolle, Fl. Fr. 2:
443. 1805 Sphagnum compactum
var. imbricatum Warnstorf; S. rigidum
(Nees & Hornschuch) Schimper Plants moderate to large-sized, dense and
compact, pale green, brownish white, golden brown to variegated golden-brown,
can be reddish in rocky seep habitats; forms small, tufted compact cushions. Stems
brown. Stem leaves small, 0.3--0.7 mm, triangular-lingulate with broad
rounded apex, Branches short, crowded, and unranked. Branch
fascicles 4--6 branches per fascicle, 2--3 spreading and 2--3 pendent,
but plants frequently unbranched in young clones. layer of cortical cells, Branch
leaves large, 1.4--3 mm, semi-squarrose to squarrose, ovate and abruptly
involute in distal portion, appearing cucullate with toothed apex, usually no
more than 6 teeth; hyaline cells with 5 or more ringed, round to elliptical
pores on convex surface, numerous pseudopores on concave surface with 3 ringed
corner pores occurring in 3’s at adjacent cell angles; chlorophyllous cells
elliptic in transverse section, entirely included by hyaline cells, slightly
nearer to convex surface. Sexual condition monoicous. Capsule
with abundant pseudostomata. Spores 25--35 \um; finely papillose on
proximal surface, coarsely papillose on distal surface with raised Y-mark
sculpture; proximal laesura short, 0.3--0.50 spore radius. Capsules fairly common, mature summer. Ombrotrophic to weakly minerotrophic,
commonly growing on poorly drained sand, siliceous rocks, bare peat; Greenland**s**;
Alta.**c**, B.C.**c**, Man.**c**, N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.W.T.**c**,
N.S., Ont.**c**, P.E.I., Que.**c**, Sask.**n**, Yukon**c**; Alaska**c,AI,PH**,
Ark., Calif., Conn., Fla., Ga., Ill., Ind., Iowa, Ky., La., Maine, Md.,
Mass., Mich., Minn., Miss., Mo., Mont., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Oreg.,
Pa., S.C., Tenn., Vt., Va., Wash., W.Va., Wis.; South America; Eurasia;
Pacific Islands (New Zealand). Sphagnum compactum
is usually easily recognized by its combination of golden brown color and
involute, cucullate branch leaves. Sphagnum strictum is paler and usually strongly squarrose. 14. Sphagnum strictum Sullivant, Musci Allegh. 201. 1845 Sphagnum compactum
var. expositum W. S. G. Maas; S. garberi Lesquereux & James; S. mexicanum Mitten Plants moderate-sized, pale green, yellow-green
to occassionally strongly reddish; growing in loose mats. Stems
pale brown to green. Stem leaves very small, less than 0.8
mm, triangular with blunt rounded apex.
Branches erect in distal
portion of plants. Branch fascicles with 2 short-spreading
and 3 long-tapering pendent branches. Branch leaves large, 2.8 mm or
longer, sub-squarrose, ovate, involute to broad, truncate apex with more than
6 teeth; hyaline cells with to 6 non-ringed pores on convex surface with few
or no pseudopores, 2--4 elliptic ringed pores on concave surface in corners
or along commissures, internal commissural walls minutely papillose (best
viewed in oblique sections), rarely smooth; chlorophyllous cells narrowly
triangular in transverse section, more broadly exposed on convex surface,
enclosed on concave surface. Sexual condition monoicous. Capsule
with abundant pseudostomata on surface of capsule. Spores
31--43 \um; coarsely papillose on both proximal and distal surfaces, raised
Y-mark sculpture on distal surface; proximal laesura moderately long,
0.4--0.7 spore radius. Capsules common, mature early- to mid-summer. Pioneer species among grasses on peaty
sand, pine barrens, burned-over savannas, seeps in mountainous areas inland;
N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S.; Ala., Fla., Ga., La., Maine, Md., N.J.,
N.C., S.C., Va.; Europe. Though they seldom if ever overlap ecologically, Sphagnum strictum and S. squarrosum
both usually have squarrose branch leaves, but S. squarrosum has a
lingulate fringed stem leaf that differs greatly from the triangular and
entire-margined stem leaf of S. strictum. 1c. Sphagnum
sect. Insulosa
Isoviita, Ann. Bot. Fenn. 3: 231. 1966 Sphagnum [unranked] Truncata Horrell, J. Bot. 38: 119. 1900, not S. [unranked] Truncata Russow Plants moderate-sized, with distinct capitulum;
pale brownish yellow, yellow-green, loosely tufted. Stems
green, superficial cortex of 3--4 layers of efibrillose, inflated,
thin-walled, non-ornamented cells , with an occasional pore in the distal end
of the outer wall of the superficial cell layer. Stem
leaves smaller than branch leaves, oblong to lingulate, moderately lacerate
across broad rounded apex, border entire and broad at base; hyaline cells rhomboid,
aporose, non-ornamented, usually efibrillose, resorbed on distal portion of
leaf with membrane pleats in proximal portion. Branches
dimorphic, the spreading branches stronger than the pendent branches. Branch
fascicles with 2--3 spreading and 2--3 pendent branches. Branch
stems green, surrounded by 1 layer of efibrillose, non-ornamented,
inflated, thin-walled cells with inconspicuous necks. Branch
leaves broadly ovate, very concave, apex broadly truncate, smooth, and
toothed; margin entire; hyaline cells non-ornamented, fibrillose; with
elliptic, ringed pores at ends and corners of cells, usually found in 3’s at
adjoining cell walls, pores more numerous on concave surface (5--8 per cell)
than on convex surface (3--5 per cell); chlorophyllous cells in transverse
section narrowly truncate-elliptic to lenticular, lacking wall sculptures,
with thickened end walls equally exposed on both surfaces. Sexual
condition dioicous. Capsule not seen. Spores
not seen. Species 1: nw North America, Eurasia. 15. Sphagnum aongstroemii C.
Hartman, Skand. Fl. ed. 7. 399. 1858 Sphagnum cymbifolium var. cordifolium C. Hartman, Skand. Fl. Ed.3. 261. 1838 Stems green. Branch
leaves very concave, truncate and toothed. Wet rock faces and in moist depressions, usually in open among
scattered shrubs and sedges in relatively minerotrophic sites. B.C.**c**, N.W.T.**c**, Nunavut**c**, Yukon**c**;
Alaska**cPH**; Eurasia. Sphagnum aongstroemii
can usually be easily recognized by combination of pale green color and its
truncate, toothed branch leaves. 1d. Sphagnum
sect. Squarrosa
(Russow) Schimper, Syn. ed. 2. 835. 1876 Sphagnum [unranked] Squarrosa, Beitr. Torfm., 33. 1865 Plants moderate-sized to robust, with distinct
capitulum; green,yellowish brown. Stems green to dark reddish brown, superficial
cortex of 2--4 layers of efibrillose, non-ornamented, enlarged, thin-walled,
aporose, rectangular cells. Stem leaves ovate, ovate-lingulate to
lingulate; with broad, fringed apex; little or no border along margins or
base; hyaline cells rhomboid, efibrillose, non-ornamented, aporose, usually
nonseptate, with resorption gaps on exterior surface. Branches
strongly dimorphic, pendent branches thinner but about same length as spreading
branches. Branch stems green, with cortex surrounded by 1--2 layers of
efibrillose, non-ornamented, enlarged, thin-walled cells, some cells apically
porose with inconspicuous necks. Branch leaves strongly squarrose or
spreading, ovate, ovate-hastate or ovate-lanceolate, margins entire, apex
involute and smooth; hyaline cells fibrillose; with large, round pores at
cell ends and along commissures, sometimes with faint papillae on interior
walls; chlorophyllous cells ovate-triangular, elliptical to ovate-elliptical
in transverse section, more broadly exposed on convex surface, end walls not
thickened. Sexual condition monoicous or dioicous. Capsule
2 mm or more, with scattered pseudomata. Spores
less than 30 \um, both surfaces smooth to finely papillose; proximal laesura
more than 0.5 spore radius. Species 4 (4 in the flora): North America, Eurasia,
Pactific Islands (New Zealand). 1. Branch leaves markedly
truncate; chlorophyll cells ovate-triangular in transverse section, with the
widest part at or near the convex surface 1. Branch leaves not truncate;
chlorophyll cells elliptical to elliptical-ovate with the broadest part
typically some distance from the convex surface. 2. Branch leaves strongly
squarrose (terete in tundra forms), large (1.9--3 mm); hyaline cells of
branch leaves with ringed elliptic pores on concave surface and unringed
pores on convex surface; stem leaves 1/2 to 2/3 as long as branch leaves (1.1--1.9
mm)........ 17. Sphagnum squarrosum 2. Branch leaves imbricate
(squarrose in shade forms), moderate in size (1--1.5 mm); hyaline cells of
branch leaves with unringed pores on concave and convex surfaces; stem leaves
as long or longer than branch leaves (1--1.7 mm). 3. Branch leaf hyaline cells
near leaf base on convex surface mostly aporose and on concave surface with
large, faint pores; 1--2 hanging branches.................................................... 16.
Sphagnum
mirum 3. Branch leaf hyaline cells
near leaf base on convex surface with large, round pores and on concave
surface mostly aporose; 2--3 hanging branches....................................................... 18. Sphagnum teres 16. Sphagnum mirum Flatberg
& Thingsgaard, Bryologist 106. 501.
2003 E Plants fairly slender to moderate-sized, green;
forming low dense hummocks. Stems yellowish green; 3 layers of
superficial cortical cells. Stem leaves generally longer than
branch leaves, 1.1--1.7 mm, lingulate to lingulate-spathulate, hyaline cells
mostly non-septate. Branches terete. Branch
fascicles of 2 spreading and 1--2 hanging branches. Branch
stems with 1---2 layers of cortical cells. Branch
leaves 1--1.4 mm, broadly ovate, with a narrow involute tip; hyaline
cells only slightly bulging on either surface, in proximal half of leaf
aporose on convex surface and with large faint pores on concave surface;
internal commissural walls distinctly papillose; chlorophyllous cells
elliptical to elliptical-triangular in transverse section, enclosed on both
surfaces with the widest part in the leaf middle. Sexual
condition dioicous. Spores ca 31 \um, ornamented by small somewhat amalgamated
granulae. Sporophytes abundant, capsules mature August. Ecology poorly known but probably quite
minerotrophic; Alaska**w**. Sphagnum mirum has only been recently discovered and so
far is known only from its type locality in Alaska, where it was growing in a
fen mixed with S. teres. 17. Sphagnum squarrosum Crome,
Samml. Deutsch. Laubm., 24. 1803; also Bot. Zeit. Regnesb. 2: 324. 1803 Sphagnum squarrosum
var. imbricatum Schimper Plants robust, stiff; green, pale green,
yellow-green; large terminal bud; typically as loose carpets in coniferous
forests. Stem green to red-brown; 2--3 superficial cortical layers. Stem
leaves shorter than branch leaves, ovate-lingulate to oblong-lingulate,
1.6--1.8 x 1--1.2 mm; hyaline cells mostly nonseptate. Branches
long and tapering with distinct squarrose spreading leaves, often terete in
tundra forms. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and 2--3 pendent branches. Branch
stems with 1--2 layers of cortical cells.
Branch leaves larger than
stem leaves, 1.9--2.8 mm, conspicuously squarrose from ovate-hastate base and
abruptly narrowed 1/2--1/3 distance from apex into involute-concave acumen,
often terete in tundra forms; hyaline cells convex on both surfaces,
non-ringed pores at ends and corners of cells, ringed pores on concave
surface (4--8/cell) and nonringed pores (2--4/cell) on convex surface,
internal commissural walls smooth or indistinctly papillose, chlorophyllous
cells ovate triangular with widest part at or close to the convex surface. Sexual
condition monoicous. Spores 17--30 \um; proximal surface
finely papillose, distal surface smooth with raised bifurcated Y-mark
sculpture; proximal laesura more than 0.5 spore radius. Sporophytes abundant, capsules mature early to mid-summer. Forming loose carpets in rich habitats such
as wet coniferous forests, Thuja swamps,
karrs, medium fens, and stream margins; Greenland**c**; Alta.**c**,
B.C.**c**, Man.**c**, N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.W.T.**c**, N.S., Nunavut**c**,
Ont.**c**, P.E.I., Que.**c**, Sask.**n**, Yukon,**c**; Alaska**c,AI,PH**,
Ariz., Calif., Colo., Conn., Idaho, Ill., Ind., Iowa, Maine, Mass., Mich.,
Minn., Mont., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Oreg., Pa., S.D., Tenn., Vt., Wash.,
W.Va., Wis., Wyo.; Eurasia; Pacific Islands (New Zealand). In its typical robust form with strongly squarrose branch leaves, Sphagnum squarrosum is unmistakeable.
Smaller forms such as occur in the higher mountains may be difficult
to identify accurately without careful examination of microscopic details. In the tundra there sometimes occur large,
terete forms of S. squarrosum but these are usually
considerably more robust than S. teres. See also discussion of S. strictum. 18. Sphagnum teres (Schimper)
Ångstrom, Skand. Fl. ed. 8, 417. 1861 Sphagnum squarrosum
var. teres Schimper, Versuch Torfm.,
64. 1858; S. teres var. squarrosulum
(Schimper) Warnstorf Plants fairly slender to moderate-sized, pale
green to yellowish, or reddish brown in sun-grown forms; forms loose to dense
carpets. Stems pale green to red-brown; 3--4 layers of superficial cells. Stem
leaves generally larger than branch leaves, 1.3-- 1.8 x 0.8--1 mm;
elliptic to lingulate-spatulate, widest above middle, hyaline cells
nonseptate. Branches long-cylindrical, branch leaves terete to sometimes
distinctly squarrose in shade forms. Branch fascicles typically with 3
spreading (sometimes 2) and 2 pendent branches. Branch
stems with single layer of cortical cells. Branch
leaves 1--1.4 mm, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, gradually narrowed to an
involute tip, hyaline cells somewhat bulging on concave surface and nearly
plane on convex surface, with 4--8 large, elliptic, unringed pores per cell
on convex surface and 1--4 irregularly rounded pores per cell on concave
surface, internal commissural walls smooth to rather strongly papillose,
chlorophyllous cells ovate-triangular with the widest part at or close to the
convex surface. Sexual condition dioicous.
Spores 21--26 \um; proximal
and distal surfaces smooth, papillae indistinct; proximal laesura 0.5--0.6
spore radius. Sporophytes uncommon, capsules mature late spring to early summer. Strongly minerotrophic, in open to medium
rich fens, less frequent in coniferous mires, characteristic species of rich,
weakly acidic to slightly basic mires; Greenland**s**; Alta.**c**, B.C.**c**,
Man.**c**, Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.W.T.**c**, N.S., Nunavut**c**, Ont.**c**,
Que.**c**, Sask.**n**, Yukon,**n**; Alaska**c,AI,PH**, Calif., Colo., Conn.,
Idaho, Ill., Ind., Iowa, Maine, Mass., Mich., Minn., Mont., N.H., N.J., N.Y.,
N.Dak., Ohio, Oreg., Pa., Vt., Wash., Wis., Wyo.; Eurasia. Shade forms of Sphagnum teres are
often squarrose but these are usually considerably smaller than S. squarrosum. For other distinctions between this species
and S. squarrosum, see discussion of the latter species. 19. Sphagnum tundrae Flatberg, Lindbergia 19: 3, figs. 1--3.
1994
F Plants small to moderately robust, green to
yellow green, with a brownish tinge in hummocks; forms mats and cushions. Stems
yellowish green with some brown bands; 2--3 layers of superficial cells. Stem
leaves shorter than branch leaves,
0.8--1.6 mm, lingulate, hyaline cells non-septate above and commonly
1-septate below. Branches short and blunt, branch leaves imbricate. Branch
fascicles typically with 2
spreading and 2 hanging branches. Branch stems with single layer of cortical cells. Branch
leaves 0.9--2 mm, ovate, with
conspicuously truncate apex, hyaline cells bulging on both surfaces, with
1--4 large circular to elliptic pores per cell on convex surface and 4--7
elliptic pores per cell on concave surface, internal commissural walls
faintly papillose, cholrophyll cells elliptical to elliptical-ovate withn the
broadest part typically some distance from convex surface. Sexual
condition unknown. Forms mats and cushions in weakly minerotrophic arctic mires;
Yukon**n**; Alaska**n**; Europe. Sphagnum tundrae
can be separated from other species in sect. Squarrosa most readily by its truncate branch leaves. 1e. Sphagnum sect. Isocladus
(Lindberg) Braithwaite, Sphag. 30. 1880 Isocladus Lindberg, Oefv. K. Vet. Ak. Foerh. 19:
133. 1862 Plants coarse and robust; usually found floating,
submerged or stranded; capitulum not apparent, leaves crowded into a tuft;
deep green throughout or dark reddish brown to blackish brown with yellowish
branch tips when wet and shiny pale green to straw colored or brown when dry. Stems
green to brownish, superficial cortex of 2--3 layers of inflated,
thin-walled, efibrillose, non-ornamented, aporose cells. Stem
leaves much smaller than branch leaves, broadly triangular with a rounded
apex, border entire, hyaline cells rhomboid, efibrillose and non-ornamented;
convex surface aporose; concave surface with 0--5 round or oblong pores with
either 1 central pore or pores in a single row. Branches
more or less monomorphic. Branch fascicles with 2--3 branches. Branch
stems green, surrounded by 1--3 layers of enlarged, thin-walled, efibrillose,
non-ornamented, mostly aporose cells. Branch leaves lanceolate,
linear-lanceolate to ovate-ligulate, apex tubular and involute or flat and
rounded, with numerous small pores (8--60 per cell) on the convex surface in
1--3 irregular rows, nearly aporose on the concave surface; chlorophyllous
cells rectangular in transverse section and equally exposed on both surfaces. Sexual
condition dioicous. Capsule with few pseudostomata or
pseudostomata absent. Spores 25--35 \um; smooth to finely
papillose on proximal and distal surfaces, conspicuous bifurcated Y-mark
sculpture on distal surface; proximal laesura less than 0.5 spore radius. Species 2 (2 in the flora): North America. 1. Branch leaves with 20--40 pores, each less than
0.25 width of cell, mostly in 2 rows, branch
leaves ovate-ligulate with a broad, rounded, truncate apex........................................................................ 20.
Sphagnum
cribrosum 1. Branch leaves with 8--12
pores, each more than 0.25 width of cell, mostly in 1 row, branch leaves
lanceolate to linear-lanceolate with a narrow tubular apex.......................................................... 21. Sphagnum macrophyllum 20. Sphagnum cribrosum H. Lindberg, Eur. Nord Amer. Hvitm. 74.
1882
E Sphagnum floridanum (Austin) Cardot; S. macrophyllum var. floridanum
Austin Plants green, light brown to brown. Branch
leaves ovate-ligulate, apex broad, rounded, and truncate, hyaline cells
with 20--40 small (less than 0.25 cell diameter) in mostly 2 rows. Floating or stranded at margins of shallow acidic lakes and ponds; Fla.,
Ga., Md., N.C., S.C. Besides the different branch leaf porosity, this species is usually
distinguishable from the closely related Sphagnum
macrophyllum by its paler brown
color and distinctly broader and more truncate branch leaves. "Wave forms" of both S. cribrosum
and S. macrophyllum, seemingly developed in response to growing in
shallow water where wave action is common, can have very odd phenotypes that
may look more like Fontinalis than Sphagnum. 21. Sphagnum macrophyllum Bridel, Bryol. Univ. 1: 10. 1826 E Isocladus macrophyllus
(Bridel) Lindberg; Sphagnum macrophyllum var. burinense W. S. G. Maas Plants brown, dark brown to nearly black. Branch
leaves lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, apex narrow and tubular, hyaline cells
with 8--12 moderate-sized (more than 0.25 cell diameter) in mostly one row. Floating or stranded at margins of shallow lakes and ponds, rarely in
seeps where probably constantly wet; Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S.; Ala.,
Ark., Del., Fla., Ga., La., Md., Miss., N.J., N.Y., N.C., S.C., Tenn., Tex.,
Va. 1f. Sphagnum sect. Cuspidata Lindberg,
Oefv. K. Vet. Ak. Foerh. 19: 134. 1862 Sphagnum sect. Acisphagnum J. K. A. Müller, illegitimate name, S. sect. Mollusca A. Casares-Gil Plants varying from lax free floating forms to
compact terrestrial forms, usually with distinct capitulum; green, whitish,
pale, yellow-green to light brownish, rarely dark-colored. Stems
green, brown dark brown to occasionally pinkish in parts, superficial cortex of
0--4 layers of efibrillose, non-ornamented, enlarged, thin-walled cells, cells
in outer layer aporose. Stem leaves usually smaller than
branch leaves, triangular to lingulate, apex apiculate, acute, broad, or
erose and split, border narrow or broad at base; hyaline cells
non-ornamented, usually efibrillose (in proximal portion) to often fibrillose
in distal portion of leaf, aporose or with few pores and septate to
nonseptate. Branches dimorphic, pendent branches more slender and delicate
than spreading branches. Branch fascicles with 2--3 spreading
to 1--3 pendent branches. Branch stems green to pinkish,
surrounded by 1 layer of efibrillose, non-ornamented, enlarged, thin-walled
cells, with solitary uniporose retort cells (or in groups) with short necks,
other aporose cells rectangular. Branch leaves usually longer than stem
leaves, ovate to lanceolate; margins entire or in a few cases serrulate; apex
involute and smooth; hyaline cells non-ornamented, fibrillose (in one case efibrillose),
convex surface porose or with a few to numerous pores or pseudopores, concave
surface aporose or with pores or pore-like wall thinnings; chlorophyllous
cells triangular to trapezoidal in transverse section, more broadly exposed
on convex surface, end walls not thickened.
Sexual condition mostly
dioicous or occasionally monoicous. Capsule less than 2 mm, with few pseudostomata. Spores
usually more than 30 \um, rarely with raised surface sculpture on distal surface;
proximal laesura typically less than or equal to 0.5 spore radius. Species ca. 55 (29 in the flora): worldwide
in distribution excepting Antarctica. 1. Stem leaves lacerate across
all or part of apex. 2. Stem leaves
lingulate-spatulate, lacerate across broad apex and partially down the sides............................................ 35.
Sphagnum
lindbergii 2. Stem leaves lingulate to
triangular-lingulate, lacerate or notched in middle of apex only. 3. Stem leaves lingulate;
branch leaves not sharply recurved when dry and typically strongly 5-ranked;
plants strongly brown-pigmented, small and compact.................................... 34. Sphagnum
lenense 3. Stem leaves
triangular-lingulate; branch leaves sharply recurved when dry and rarely
five-ranked; plants typically green, large and not especially compact.................................. 44. Sphagnum
riparium 1. Stem leaves erose to entire
at apex. 4. Branch leaf hyaline cells efibrillose................ 46. Sphagnum
splendens 4. Branch leaf hyaline cells fibrillose. 5. Branch leaf hyaline cells
with 5 or more free pores per cell in lower portion of convex surface. 6. Branch leaf hyaline cells
lacking pores or wall thinnings on concave surface.................................... 36. Sphagnum
majus 6. Branch leaf hyaline cells
with pores or wall thinnings on concave surface. 7. Branch leaf hyaline cells
with round wall thinnings in the cell angles and apices on the concave
surface. 8. Stem leaves fibrillose at
apex; stem leaves spreading at right angles; common species of northern
peatlands 8. Stem leaves normally
efibrillose and appressed. 9. Branch leaves ovate, stem
cortex well-differentiated but not enlarged 33.
Sphagnum
kenaiense (in part) 9. Branch leaves
ovate-lanceolate, stem cortex undifferentiated.... 45. Sphagnum rubroflexuosum 7. Branch leaf hyaline cells
with pores or wall thinnings free from the cell margins on the concave
surface. 10. Stem leaves lingulate to triangular-lingulate
and with a more or less erose apex; branch leaf pores faint (visible only
with heavy staining)............................ 40.
Sphagnum
obtusum 10. Stem leaves triangular and
with an obtuse, entire apex; branch leaf pores obvious. 11. Branch leaf hyaline cells
with numerous free pores on convex surface in distal region, branch leaf
hyaline cells relatively short and wide in proximal portion........................ 23. Sphagnum
annulatum 11. Branch leaf hyaline cells
with numerous pseudopores along commissures on convex surface in distal
region; branch leaf hyaline cells relatively long and narrow in proximal
portion 32. Sphagnum
jensenii 5. Branch leaf hyaline cells
with less than 5 free pores per cell in proximal portion of convex surface. 12. Branch leaves with numerous pores
along the commissures on both surfaces, round wall thinnings in cell angles
and apices not present on concave surface......... 38.
Sphagnum
mendocinum 12. Branch leaves with few or no
pores along the commissures on either surface; round wall thinnings present in
cell angles and apices on concave surface. 13. Stem leaves lingulate to ovate-lingulate
and with incurved distal margins. 14. Branch leaves ovate to
ovate-lanceolate, moderately concave, slightly undulate and recurved, often
5-ranked 14. Branch leaves ovate,
strongly concave, neither undulate nor recurved, not 5-ranked... 47. Sphagnum
tenellum 13. Stem leaves various but not
as above. 15. Branch leaves with serrulate
margins. 16. Branch leaves with broad, rounded
apex 16. Branch leaves with pointed involute
apex. 17. Branch leaves ovate to
broadly ovate; spreading branches short, little tapered to distal end 17. Branch leaves
ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate; spreading branches long, tapered to distal
end 15. Branch leaves entire along margins. 18. Stem leaves lingulate to triangular-lingulate
with more or less erose apex. 19. Branch leaves sharply
recurved when dry; stem leaves fibrillose at apex............ 43. Sphagnum recurvum 19. Branch leaves slightly
recurved when dry; stem leaves efibrillose or fibrillose at apex. 20. Stem leaves spreading,
efibrillose distally 20. Stem leaves appressed, fibrillose
distally 21. Branch leaves ovate, stem
cortex well-differentiated but not enlarged 21. Branch leaves
ovate-lanceolate, stem cortex undifferentiated.. 30. Sphagnum
flexuosum 18 Stem leaves triangular to triangular-lingulate,
acute to obtuse but rarely erose. [key continued at left margin] 22. Stem leaves less than 0.8
mm, triangular...... 22. Sphagnum
augustifolium 22. Stem leaves 0.8 mm or more
(if shorter, then apiculate), triangular to triangular-lingulate. 23. Branch leaves typically
broadly ovate with an abruptly involute apex 23. Branch leaves ovate-lanceolate
to lanceolate with a tapered involute apex. 24. Sem leaves apiculate; young pendent
branches in pairs between rays of the capitulum; carpet forming species with
branch leaves not greatly elongated at distal branch end. 25. Branch leaves strongly recurved
when dry. 26. Branch leaf chlorophyll
cells wall-enclosed on concave surface; stem cortex with strongly enlarged thin-walled
cells................................................ 41.
Sphagnum
pacificum 26. Branch leaf chlorophyll
cells slightly enclosed on or just reaching concave surface; stem cortex with
moderately enlarged and thick-walled cells......... 28.
Sphagnum
fallax 25. Branch leaves weakly
recurved when dry. 27. Branch leaves relatively
narrow, with length to width ratio ca. 3.2; stem leaves relatively broad,
with length to width ratio 1:1.14; branch leaves typically strongly
five-ranked 27. Branch leaves relatively
broad, with length to width ratio ca. 2.8; stem leave relatively narrow, with
length to width ratio ca. 1:1.22; branch leaves unranked or only weakly five-ranked................................... 26. Sphagnum brevifolium 24. Stem leaves obtuse to
apiculate; young pendent branches not in pairs between the branches of the
capitulum; aquatic species with branch leaves substantially elongated at
distal branch end. 28. Branch leaf chlorophyll
cells very well-enclosed on concave surface. 29. Branch leaf chlorophyll
cells in transverse section well-enclosed and reaching only ca. 1/2 the
distance to the concave surface; branch leaves often falcate-secund 29. Branch leaf chlorophyll
cells slightly enclosed and reaching about 3/4 the distance to the concave
surface; branch leaves typically straight..................... 48. Sphagnum torreyanum 28. Branch leaf chlorophyll
cells slightly enclosed or reaching concave surface. 30. Stem leaves obtuse,
spreading and with septate hyaline cells in the proximal mid-region............... 37. Sphagnum mcqueenii 30. Stem leaves acute to
apiculate, appressed and with non-septate hyaline cells in proximal
mid-region. 31. Branch leaves relatively
narrow, length to width equal or greater than 3.6:1, hyaline cells in distal
region convex surface 8--15:1; capitulum often twisted................. 27.
Sphagnum cuspidatum 31. Branch leaves relatively
broad, length to width less than 3.6:1, hyaline cells in distal region convex
surface 4--8:1; capitulum with straight branches....................... 50.
Sphagnum viride 22. Sphagnum angustifolium (Russow)
C. E. O. Jensen in K. R. Tolf, Bih. Sv. Vet.-Akad. Handl. 16, Afd. 3(9): 46. 1891 Sphagnum recurvum subsp. angustifolium Russow, Sitz.-ber. Nat.-Ges. Dorpat 9: 112. 1890; S.
amblyphyllum var. parvifolium (Sendtner) Warnstorf; S. flexuosum var. tenue
(H. Klinggraff) Pilous; S. parvifolium (Warnstorf) Warnstorf; S. recurvum
var. parvifolium Warnstorf; S. recurvum var. tenue H.
Klinggraff Plants small and often slender and soft, lax to
compact, moderately stiff-stemmed; green to pale yellow to golden-brown to
brown; capitulum strongly convex in drier grown forms to strongly 5-radiate
and flat in wetter growing forms. Stems pale green to pale brown, often
with pinkish red patches, cortex undifferentiated. Stem
leaves equilateral to isosceles-triangular, small, less than 0.8 mm,
mostly appressed to stem, apex acute to obtuse, hyaline cells efibrillose and
nonseptate. Branches straight to slightly curved, usually 5-ranked; leaves
not much longer at distal end than proximal end. Branch
fascicles with 2 spreading and 2--3 pendent branches. Branch
stems with cortex enlarged with conspicuous retort cells, often pinkish
red at proximal end. Branch leaves narrowly ovate-lanceolate,
0.8--1 mm, straight, moderately undulate and recurved in larger and/or wetter
grown forms, not undulate and slightly recurved in compact forms from drier
sites; margins entire; hyaline cells on convex surface with 1(2--3) pore per
cell at apical end of cell, on concave surface with round wall thinnings in
cell ends and angles; chlorophyllous cells triangular in transverse section
and just enclosed on concave surface. Sexual condition dioicous. Spores
21--25 \um; coarsely papillose on proximal and distal surfaces; proximal
laesura more than 0.5 spore radius. Wide range of habitats, from ombrotrophic to rich fens, open mires, sedge
fens and muskeg, as carpets, floating mats, low hummocks and hummock sides; Greenland**s**;
Alta.**c**, B.C.**c**, Man.**c**, N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.W.T.**c**,
N.S., Ont.**c**, Que.**c**, Sask.**n**, Yukon,**c**; Alaska**c,AI,PH**,
Calif., Colo., Idaho, Ill., Ind., Maine, Md., Mass., Mich., Minn., Mo.,
Mont., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., N.Dak., Ohio, Oreg., Pa., Utah, Vt., Va.,
Wash., W.Va., Wis., Wyo.; Eurasia. The sporophytes of Sphagnum
angustifolium are somewhat common.
This species is distinguished from similar species in section Cuspidata by the small, triangular, obtuse
and appressed stem leaves. Sphagnum angustifolium also often has a pink stem, as opposed to the
reddish branch bases seen in some other species of the section. Sphagnum
balticum has stem leaves that are
more lingulate-triangular as well as spreading from the stem. Sphagnum
angustifolium belongs to a subgroup
within sect. Cuspidata usually referred
to as S. recurvum s.l., a group
of mostly carpet-forming species that differ from species of the section in
having pairs of pendent branch buds visible between the capitulum rays. The group also includes S. brevifloium,
S. fallax, S. flexuosum, S. pacificum,
S. recurvum, S. rubroflexuosum and S. splendens.
23. Sphagnum annulatum Warnstorf,
Bot. Centralbl. 76: 422. 1898 F Sphagnum jensenii
var. annulatum (Warnstorf)
Warnstorf Plants moderate-sized and weak-stemmed; in lawns
and floating mats; brownish green, brown, reddish brown to chestnut-brown,
often with bluish tint when dry, capitulum 5-radiate and flat-topped. Stems
pale green to brown; cortex poorly differentiated to undifferentiated. Stem
leaves lingulate-triangular to triangular-lingulate, equal to or less
than 1.2 mm, more or less spreading; apex obtuse; hyaline cells mostly
fibrillose and nonseptate. Branches straight to distinctly curved,
leaves becoming substantially longer at distal end of the branch. Branch
fascicles with 2 spreading and 1--2 pendent branches. Branch
stems green, with cortex enlarged with conspicuous retort cells. Branch
leaves ovate-lanceolate, 1.5--2 mm, straight to slightly subsecund, only
slightly undulate and recurved if at all; margin entire; hyaline cells on
convex surface with numerous small free pores, on concave surface with
numerous round free pores, cells relatively short in basal region (similar to
mid-region); chlorophyllous cells +/- triangular in transverse section, just
reaching concave surface or slightly enclosed. Sexual
condition dioicous. Spores 25--32 \um, finely papillose
on both surfaces. Wet carpets, lawns, and mud bottoms in poor to medium fens, in
mire-wide and mire-edge habitats; Alta.**n**, B.C.**n**, Man.**n**, Nfld. and
Labr. (Nfld.), N.W.T.**c**, Ont.**n**, Que.**n**, Yukon**c**; Alaska**s**, Idaho,
Mich., Minn., Mont., N.Y., Wash., Wyo.; Eurasia. Sporophytes are rare in Sphagnum
annulatum. Of the more wet-growing
species, both S. cuspidatum and S. viride are typically
much more green or yellow and have stem leaves with acute apices. Sphagnum
jensenii is usually larger and has straight capitulum branches as opposed
to the more curved branches of S.
annulatum. Sphagnum majus normally has a denser and more rounded capitulum. Field experience in both Alaska and
Scandanavia, where both species occur, does not support the view of H. A.
Crum (1997) that S. annulatum and S. jensenii are simply
ends of a continuum. Both species are
usually readily separable in the field and look quite different in mixed
populations. In North America at least
S. annulatum is also considerably more widespread. 24. Sphagnum atlanticum R.
E. Andrus, Bryologist 110: ---. 2007. E {{TO BE PUBLISHED IN 2007 }} Plants robust and weak-stemmed; green, golden
brown to dark brown; capitulum often flat-topped and with a visible terminal
bud; flaccid and plumose in submerged forms to more compact in emergent or
stranded forms. Stems green to brown; superficial cortex of 1--2 layers of moderately
thick-walled and poorly differentiated cells.
Stem leaves triangular,
large, less than 1.7 mm, mostly appressed to stem, apex weakly apiculate to
narrowly obtuse; hyaline cells efibrillose and seldom to often septate at
base and sides. Branches unranked, long and tapering, leaves greatly elongate at distal
end. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and 2 pendent branches. Branch
stem green, cortex enlarged with conspicuous retort cells. Branch
leaves ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate in aquatic forms, ovate to
ovate-lanceolate in emergent forms, greater than 2.5 mm, often
falcate-secund, especially in submerged forms, weakly undulate and recurved
when dry; margin entire, hyaline cells on convex surface with 0--1 pores per
cell, concave surface with round wall thinnings in the cell apices and
angles; chlorophyllous cells narrowly triangular in transverse section and
well-enclosed on the concave surface. Sexual condition dioicous. Sporophytes
not seen. Forming loose carpets in pools in weakly minerotrophic fens; N.B., Nfld
and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S.; Conn., Del., Mass., Maine, Md., N.H., N.J., N.Y.,
N.C., Pa., Vt., Va. Sporophytes of Sphagnum
atlanticum are rare. The other
large North American Atlantic coastal plain species of sect. Cuspidata, S. torreyanum, is
typically more yellow, has a more rounded capitulum and has straight rather
than subsecund branch leaves. 25. Sphagnum balticum (Russow)
C. E. O. Jensen, Fests. Bot. For. Kjob., 100. 1890 Sphagnum recurvum subsp. balticum Russow, Sitz.-ber. Nat.-Ges. Dorpat 9: 99. 1890 Plants small to moderate-sized, soft and +/- weak-stemmed;
brownish green, yellow-green, yellowish to golden-brown, capitulum typically
flat and 5-radiate. Stems pale green to brown, branch
bases sometimes reddish; superficial cortex of 2--3 layers of moderately
thin-walled and differentiated cells. Stem leaves 0.8--1.1 mm, triangular-lingulate
to lingulate, concave, spreading, apex broadly obtuse, hyaline cells
fibrillose in apical region. Branches slender and tapering, often
5-ranked and decurved, leaves somewhat elongated at distal end. Branch
fascicles with 2 spreading and mostly 1 pendent branch. Branch
stem green, cortex enlarged with conspicuous retort cells. Branch
leaves ovate-lanceolate, 1--1.7 mm, straight, slightly undulate and spreading
; margin entire, hyaline cells on convex surface with 1--5 pores in cell ends
and free near apex, on concave surface with round wall thinnings in cell ends
and angles; chlorophyllous cells triangular in transverse section and
well-enclosed on concave surface. Sexual condition dioicous. Spores
25--33 \um; smooth to finely papillose on both surfaces; proximal laesura approximately
0.5 spore radius. Abundant in hollows and floating mats in raised bogs and poor fens; Greenland**c**;
Alta.**n**, B.C.**n**, Man.**n**, N.W.T.**c**, Nunavut**c**, Ont.**n**,
Que.**n**, Yukon,**c**; Alaska**c,PH**, Colo.; Eurasia. Compared to Sphagnum angustifolium and S. annulatum, S. balticum
has stem leaves exerted at right angles to the stem. Sphagnum
balticum also has fewer and weaker hanging
branches than S. angustifolium, which make the stem itself
often visible and the stem leaves easier to see. Sphagnum
balticum also lacks the paired
pendent branch buds between the capitulum rays as seen in S. angustifolium. 26. Sphagnum brevifolium (Lindberg)
J. Röll, Bot. Centralbl. 39: 340. 1889 Sphagnum cuspidatum
var. brevifolium Lindberg, Sphag.,
84. 1880 Plants small and slender to moderate-sized, soft,
not very compact; pale yellow, yellowish brown to brown; capitulum flat to
somewhat convex, not 5-radiate to somewhat 5-radiate. Stems
pale yellow to pale green, sometimes with reddish portions, superficial
cortex of 2--3 layers of clearly differentiated cells. Stem
leaves triangular to lingulate-triangular, apex apiculate, acute and
sometimes slightly obtuse, spreading or sometimes appressed; hyaline cells
nonseptate and often fibrillose at leaf apex.
Branches straight to
distinctly curved, leaves unranked to 5-ranked, leaves not greatly elongate
at branch distal end. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and
1--2 pendent branches. Branch stems with cortex enlarged
with conspicuous retort cells, sometimes reddish at proximal end. Branch
leaves ovate to ovate-lanceolate, greater than 1.2 mm, often subsecund,
slightly undulate and slightly recurved when dry; margin entire; hyaline
cells on convex surface with 1 pore per cell in apical end, on concave
surface with round wall thinnings in the cell ends and angles; chlorophyllous
cells equilateral to isosceles-triangular, well-enclosed on the concave
surface. Sexual condition dioicous.
Spores not seen. Ecology not presently understood due to past confusion with other
species; Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), Que.**n**; Alaska**s**, Maine, Md., Mich.,
Minn., N.H., N.Y., Vt.; Europe. Details of the distribution of Sphagnum
brevifolium are unclear because of confusion with S. fallax and S. isoviitae.
This seems to be a species of poor to
medium fens where it occurs in depressions and floating mats; it does not appear
to form extensive fast-growing mats as do S.
fallax, S. isoviitae, and S. pacificum.
Sphagnum
brevifolium is one of five Sphagnum
recurvum “s.l.” species with
apiculate stem leaves. On the Pacific
coast it seemingly co-occurs only with S.
pacificum, from which it differs in
having branch leaves less sharply recurved and more strongly 5-ranked. In eastern North America it is quite
uncommon but can occur with both S.
fallax and S. isoviitae of S. recurvum s.l. Sphagnum
fallax has more sharply recurved branch leaves. Sphagnum
splendens has a distinct shiny look.
The much more common S. isoviitae has a distinctly flatter
capitulum, narrower branch leaves and wider stem leaves. In fact, the relatively broad branch leaves
of S. brevifolium sometimes can
give it the appearance of a slender S.
pulchrum, but the latter has much more strongly 5-ranked branch leaves
and lacks paired pendent branch buds. See
also the discussion of S. angustifolium. 27. Sphagnum cuspidatum Hoffman, Deutsch. Fl., 2: 22. 1796 Sphagnum cuspidatum
var. plumosum Nees &
Hornschuch; S. faxonii Warnstorf; S. virginianum Warnstorf Plants slender and weak-stemmed, moderate-sized,
flaccid and plumose in aquatic forms to more compact in emergent forms,
spreading branches often conspicuously falcate, giving capitulum a twisted
appearance; green to yellow, often tinged with red, red-brown or brown in
capitula. Stems green; superficial cortex of 2--3 layers 2 layers of
enlarged thin-walled cells. Stem leaves triangular-ovate, more
than 1.2 mm, usually appressed; apex acute to apiculate, hyaline cells rarely
septate or porose, apical region often fibrillose. Branches
mostly unranked to weakly 5-ranked, often conspicuously falcate, leaves greatly
elongated at distal end. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and
2--3 pendent branches. Branch stems green, but often pinkish
at the proximal ends, with cortex enlarged with conspicuous retort cells. Branch
leaves ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate, 1.6--5 mm, falcate toward branch
tips, when dry often undulate and recurved, rarely weakly serrulate along the
margins in submerged forms, leaves from middle of spreading branches with
length to width ratio less than or equal to 1:0.28; hyaline cells length to
width ratio in apical convex surface region 8:1 or more, convex surface with
0--1 small round pores at apex, concave surface with faint round wall
thinnings in cell apices and angles; chlorophyllous cells triangular to
trapezoidal in transverse section, broadly exposed on the convex surface and
exposed slightly on the concave surface. Sexual
condition dioicous. Spores 29--38 \um; covered with large
papillae on both surfaces, appearing pusticulate; proximal laesura less than 0.5
spore radius. Sporophytes are occasional, capsules mature in early to mid-summer. Widespread forming wet carpets in
ombrotrophic to weakly minerotrophic mires; N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.),
N.S., Ont.**s**, Que.**c**; Ala., Conn., Del., Fla., Ga., Ill., Ind., Kans.,
Maine, Md., Mass., Mich., Minn., Miss., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Pa.,
S.C., Tenn., Vt., Va., W.Va., Wis.; Europe. Distinguishing Sphagnum
cuspidatum from S. viride is sometimes difficult, as both
occur over a similar geographic range and both grow in wet carpets. Sphagnum
cuspidatum has narrower branch
leaves and usually a distinct red tinge at the branch bases within the
capitulum. 28. Sphagnum fallax (H.
Klinggraff) H. Klinggraff, Topogr. Fl. Westpr. 128. 1880 Sphagnum cuspidatum
var. fallax H. Klinggraff, Schr.
Phys.-Ok. Ges. Konigsb. 7. 1872; S. apiculatum
H. Lindberg; S. flexusoum var. fallax (H. Klinggraff) A. J. E. Smith; S. mucronatum (Russow)
Zickendrath; S. recurvum var. brevifolium (Braithwaite) Warnstorf; S. recurvum var. fallax (H. Klinggraff) H. K. G. Paul; S. recurvum
subsp. mucronatum Russow Plants moderate-sized, fairly stiff-stemmed;
green, brownish green, pale yellow, golden-yellow, yellow and brown;
capitulum hemispherical and not 5-radiate to somewhat 5-radiate in
shade-grown or wet-grown forms. Stems pale green to pale brown,
superficial cortex of 2 layers of moderately differentiated cells. Stem leaves
triangular to lingulate-triangular, 0.8--1.2 mm, mostly appressed to the
stem, apex acute to apiculate, hyaline cells mostly efibrillose and nonseptate.
Branches
straight, mostly unranked, but can be 5-ranked in wet-growing forms, leaves
little elongated at distal branch ends. Branch
fascicles with 2 spreading and 2--3 pendent branches. Branch
stems green but proximal end sometimes red, with cortex enlarged with
conspicuous retort cells. Branch leaves ovate-lanceolate, greater
than 1.2 mm, straight, undulate and sharply recurved when dry, margins entire;
hyaline cells on convex surface with usually 1 round pore per cell at apical
end, on concave side with round wall thinnings in the cell ends and angles; chlorophyllous
cells triangular and just reaching or slightly enclosed within the concave
surface. Sexual condition dioicous. Spores
25--31 \um; proximal surface finely papillose, distal surface pusticulate
with bifurcated Y-mark sculpture; proximal laesura less than 0.5 spore
radius. Sporophytes are uncommon, capsules mature early to mid-summer. Widespread in poor fen habitats, often as a
pioneer species in extensive mats, occasionally in ombrotrophic mires at
hummock bases; N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S., Ont.**s**, P.E.I., Que.**s**;
Conn., Del., Ill., Ind., Maine, Mass., Mich., Minn., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C.,
Ohio, Pa., Tenn., Vt., Va., W.Va.; Europe. Sphagnum fallax
can be distinguished from the closely related S. isoviitae by its
sharply recurved branch leaves, as opposed to the leaves of the latter only
slightly reflexed at their tips. See
also discussion of S. brevifolium and S. splendens. 29. Sphagnum fitzgeraldii Lesquereux
& James, Man. 23. 1884 E Sphagnum mohrianum
Warnstorf Plants small and weak-stemmed, flaccid and +/- plumose
when submerged to (more frequently) sprawling in thin mats; capitulum +/-
compact and with a strong terminal bud; pale green to greenish white. Stem
pale green; superficial cortex of 1--2 layers of thin-walled and well differentiated
cells. Stem leaves large, ovate to oblong-ovate, ca. 2 mm, more or less
spreading; apex rounded and serrulate; hyaline cells fibrillose and often
1--septate, convex surface generally aporose, concave surface with 1--several
round pores per cell in ends and angles. Branches
unranked to slightly 5-ranked, often short and blunt at distal end. Branch
fascicles with 1--2 spreading and 0--1 pendent branches. Branch
stems green, with cortex enlarged with conspicuous retort cells. Branch
leaves ovate to oblong-quadrate, 1.2--2.5 mm, not undulate or recurved
when dry, strongly toothed across apex and serrulate on margins; hyaline
cells with to 4 small round ringed pores at cell ends on convex surface,
small round wall thinnings in the cell ends and angles on the concave
surface; chlorophyllous cells trapezoidal in transverse section, more broadly
exposed on the convex surface. Sexual condition monoicous. Spores
38--48 \um; both surfaces covered with fine to moderately coarse papillae;
proximal laesura less than 0.4 spore radius. Commonly in prostrate mats on damp sand, often in recently burned or
cleared areas, also occasionally floating in ditches; Ala., Fla., Ga., La.,
Miss., N.C., S.C., Va. Sporophytes of Sphagnum
fitzgeraldii are common, being immersed or exserted. This species is found largely on the
Atlantic coastal plain. The wide
truncate branch leaves easily distinguish S.
fitzgeraldii in most situations. Floating plants are not as quickly
identified but can be told from other similar species of sect. Cuspidata by the branch leaves wider than
those of similar species. 30. Sphagnum flexuosum Dozy & Molkenboer, Prodr. Fl.
Batav. 2(1): 76. 1851 Sphagnum amblyphyllum
(Russow) Zickendrath; S. fallax var. flexuosum (Dozy & Molkenboer) Nyholm; S. flexuosum var. ramosissimum R. E. Andrus; S. flexuosum
var recurvum Dozy & Molkenboer;
S. recurvum subsp. amblyphyllum
Russow; S. recurvum var. amblyphyllum
(Russow) Warnstorf Plants small to moderate-sized, slender and soft,
lax, moderately weak to moderately stiff-stemmed; green, pale yellowish
green, yellowish brown, grayish brown or reddish brown; capitulum typically
compact and twisted in the middle like a ball of yarn, spreading branches
curved giving a pinwheel appearance. Stems pale green to pale brown, rarely
with pinkish red patches, superficial cortex of undifferentiated to slightly
differentiated. Stem leaves triangular-lingulate to lingulate, 0.7--1.3 mm,
appressed to stem, apex obtuse to broadly obtuse and erose to somewhat
lacerate, hyaline cells efibrillose and nonseptate. Branches
curved, unranked to less commonly (in wet-grown forms) 5-ranked, leaves not much
elongate at distal end. Branch fascicles with 2(--3)
spreading and 2 pendent branches. Branch stems green but sometimes reddish
at proximal end, with cortex enlarged with conspicuous retort cells. Branch
leaves ovate-lanceolate to broadly ovate-lanceolate, 1.5--2.5 mm,
strongly undulate and moderately recurved when dry, straight; margin entire;
greater than hyaline cells on convex surface with 1--2 pores per cell at cell
apex, on concave surface with round wall thinnings in the cell ends and
angles; chlorophyllous cells triangular in transverse section and typically
just slightly exposed on the concave surface. Sexual
condition dioicous. Spores 23--25 \um; moderately to
coarsely papillose on both surfaces; proximal laesura approximately 0.5 spore
radius.. Sporophytes uncommon, capsules mature early to late summer. Forming carpets in poor to medium fens,
mostly sedge-fens and mire edge habitat; N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S.,
Ont.**s**, P.E.I., Que.**s**; Conn., Ill., Ind., Maine., Md., Mich., Minn.,
N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Pa., Tenn., Vt., W.Va., Wis.; Europe. Of species with range and ecology similar to that of Sphagnum
flexuosum in sect. Cuspidata, Sphagnum
angustifolium and S. recurvum,
have rounded stem leaves. In S. angustifolium the stem leaves are more
triangular and rarely erose while the branch leaves are narrower and more
strongly 5-ranked. Sphagnum recurvum also has narrower and more 5-ranked branch leaves than S. flexuosum
as well as a much more strongly differentiated stem cortex. In S.
flexuosum the branch leaves are only slightly recurved whereas in S. recurvum
they are sharply recurved. 31. Sphagnum isoviitae Flatberg,
J. Bryol. 17: 2, figs. 1, 2. 1992 Plants moderate-sized and moderately weak-stemmed
to moderately stiff; green, brownish green to brown; capitulum flat-topped
and 5-radiate, terminal bud often visible. Stems
pale green, rarely with red coloration, superficial cortex of 2 layers of
moderately to well differentiated cells. Stem
leaves triangular to lingulate-triangular, equal to or more than 0.8 mm,
spreading to appressed; apex acute to apiculate, hyaline cells mostly
efibrillose and nonseptate. Branches +/- straight and somewhat
tapered, usually 5-ranked, leaves not greatly elongated at branch distal end.
Branch
fascicles with 2 spreading and 2--3 pendent branches. Branch
stems green and often reddish at proximal end, with cortex enlarged with
conspicuous retort cells. Branch leaves narrowly
ovate-lanceolate, greater than 1.2 mm, straight, slightly undulate and weakly
recurved when dry, margins entire; hyaline cells on convex surface with 1
pore per cell in apical end, on concave surface with round wall thinnings in
the cell ends and angles; chlorophyllous cells in transverse section
triangular to ovate-triangular and well-enclosed on the concave surface. Sexual
condition dioicous. Spores 24--33 \um; finely papillose
on the superficial surface. Forming carpets in a wide variety of poor to medium fen habitats of
both mire edge and mire wide character, not found in ombrotrophic mires;
Alta.**n**, Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S., Que.**s**; Conn., Ind., Maine,
Md., Mass., Mich., Minn., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Pa., Vt., Va., W.Va.;
Europe. Sporophytes are uncommon in Sphagnum
isoviitae. See discussion of 28. S. fallax
and 26. S. brevifolium for distinction from these similar species. Sphagnum
isoviitae has no range overlap with S.
pacificum, the other North American
species of Sphagnum recurvum in the
broad sense with apiculate stem leaves; the sharply recurved branch leaves of
the latter, however, would separate it easily in any case. Spore features are those given by K. I.
Flatberg (1992). 32. Sphagnum jensenii H.
Lindberg, Act. Soc. F. Fl. Fenn. 18(3): 13. 1899 F Sphagnum annulatum
var. porosum (Warnstorf) W. S. G.
Maas Plants moderate-sized to robust, weak-stemmed;
pale brown to chestnut brown; capitulum flat-topped and generally 5-radiate,
branches straight to somewhat curved, terminal bud often visible. Stems
pale green to brown, superficial cortex of 2 layers of thin-walled and well
differentiated cells. Stem leaves triangular,
ovate-triangular to triangular-lingulate, 1--1.3 mm; appressed to spreading;
apex obtuse, hyaline cells usually fibrillose near apex. Branches
straight to somewhat curved, leaves moderately elongate at distal end. Branch
fascicles with 2 spreading and 1--2 pendent branches. Branch
stems green, cortex enlarged with conspicuous retort cells. Branch
leaves ovate-lanceolate; usually more than 2 mm; straight; weakly undulate
and slightly recurved when dry, margins entire; hyaline cells on convex
surface with numerous small free pores in proximal 2/3 of leaf and in apical
region with numerous pseudopores along commissures, on concave surface with
numerous round free pores; cells relatively long and narrow in basal region,
much longer than in mid-region; chlorophyllous cells triangular in transverse
section and well-enclosed on concave surface. Sexual
condition dioicous. Spores 29--33 \um; both surfaces very
smooth; proximal laesura long, more than 0.6 spore radius. Predominantly in wet carpets in poor to medium fen habitats, mostly
in mire-wide vegetation; Alta.**n**, B.C.**n**, Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.),
N.W.T.**c**, Ont.**n**, Que.**n**, Sask.**n**, Yukon,**c**; Alaska**s**; Eurasia. Sporophytes of Sphagnum
jensenii are uncommon. For more
information, see discussion of S. annulatum. 33. Sphagnum kenaiense R.
E. Andrus, SIDA E F {{TO
BE PUBLISHED}} Plants small and weak-stemmed; grows sprawling in
lawns; pale brown to golden brown; capitulum flat-topped and only weakly
5-radiate. Stems pale yellow; stem cortex moderately well-differentiated but
not much enlarged. Stem leaves appressed to stem;
lingulate, ovate, to triangular; equal to or less than 0.9 mm; apex obtuse
and often erose to lacerate. Branches with leaves unranked to
5-ranked, leaves not much elongated at distal branch tip. Branch
fascicles with 2 spreading and 2-3 pendent branches. Branch
leaves ovate, 1.1--1.3 mm long, stiff, weakly undulate and slightly
recurved when dry; hyaline cells in mid-region quite short and broad, 3.3--2.5:1,
in basal 1/2 of leaf on convex surface often with 1 large pore apically
and/or up to 6 free pores, in apical region often with pseudopores along the
cell margins; on concave surface with large round wall-thinnings in the cell
ends and angles ( these sometimes faint or absent); chlorophyllose cells
triangular in transverse section and typically well-enclosed on concave
surface. Sexuality unknown. Lawns and hollows, typically in sedgey weakly minerotrophic fens.
Alaska**c**. 34. Sphagnum lenense Pohle, Acta Horti Petrop. 33: 14. 1915 Sphagnum lindbergii
var. microphyllum Warnstorf,
Hedwigia 32: 16. 1893 Plants compact, short-branched and small;
strongly reddish to golden brown, glossy when dry; flat-topped capitulum with
moderately differentiated terminal bud. Stems
dark brown; superficial cortex of 3--4 layers of enlarged thin-walled cells. Stem
leaves lingulate,small, equal to or less than 0.8 mm, appressed to stem;
apex with strong lacerate split in the middle; hyaline cells efibrillose,
aporose, and nonseptate. Branches strongly 5-ranked, short and
blunt, not much elongated at distal end. Branch
fascicles with 2 spreading and 2--3 pendent branches. Branch
stems green, with cortex enlarged with retort cells. Branch
leaves ovate; usually less than 1.5 mm; stiff and slightly reflexed,
straight to slightly subsecund; margins entire; hyaline cells moderately long
and narrow (6--8:1), convex surface with one small round pore per cell at
apex and numerous pseudopores on the margin, concave surface with large round
wall thinnings in the cell angles and ends; chlorophyllous cells triangular
in transverse section, with apex reaching concave surface. Sexual
condition unknown. Spores not seen. Common forming hummocks and carpets in a variety of weakly
minerotrophic to ombrotrophic mires including Eriophorum tussock fens, dwarf shrub fens, polygon peatlands,
string mires and raised bogs; Greenland**s**; Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.W.T.**c**,
Nunavut**c**, Que.,**n**, Yukon**c**; Alaska**c,AI,PH**, Eurasia. Sporophytes are rare in Sphagnum
lenense. This species is easily
told from the similar S. lindbergii by its compact growth form
and reddish brown color. Sphagnum lenense also is a hummock former in the tundra whereas S. lindbergii
forms carpets. 35. Sphagnum lindbergii Schimper,
Öfv. Svenska Vet.-Akad. Förh. 14: 126. 1857 Plants moderate-sized to large, moderately
densely branched; green to brown, often bluish tinged and/or shiny when dry;
capitulum flattopped with a conspicuous terminal bud. Stems
dark brown; superficial cortex of 2--4 layers of enlarged, thin-walled cells.
Stem
leaves lingulate-spatulate, large, 1.3--1.6 mm; appressed to stem; apex
very broad and lacerate; hyaline cells efibrillose and aporose, often septate.
Branches
strongly 5-ranked and straight. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and
2 pendent branches, leaves not much elongated at distal end. Branch
stems green, with cortex enlarged with retort cells. Branch
leaves ovate-lanceolate, 1.5--3 mm; straight to slightly subsecund; imbricate
to somewhat reflexed and not undulate; margins entire; hyaline cells long and
narrow, length to width ca. 10:1 on convex surface with 1 or more small pores
in the cell ends and angles and often with numerous pseudopores along the
margins, on concave surface with large round wall thinnings on the cell ends
and angles; chlorophyllous cells triangular to trapezoidal in transverse
section, apex often exposed on concave surface. Sexual
condition monoicous or dioicous. Spores 22--34 \um; both surfaces
smooth, apparent ridged border on proximal surface; proximal laesura more
than 0.5 spore radius. Widespread forming carpets in ombrotrophic to weakly minerotrophic
boreal mires; Greenland**s**; Alta.**n**, B.C.**c**, Man.**c**, Nfld. and
Labr. (Nfld.), N.W.T.**c**, N.S., Nunavut**c**, Ont.**n**, Que.**n**,
Yukon,**c**; Alaska**c,AI,PH**, N.H., N.Y., Wash.; Eurasia. Sporophytes are uncommon. Sphagnum
lindbergii is normally easily distinguished from other carpet-forming
species of sect. Cuspidata by its
large, strongly lacerate stem leaf and dark brown to black stem. Sexual condition is taken from from L. I.
Savicz-Ljubitzkaja and Z. N. Smirnova (1968). 36. Sphagnum majus (Russow)
C. E.O. Jensen, Fests. Bot. For. Kjob., 106. 1890 F Sphagnum cuspidatum
var. majus Russow, Arch. Nat.,
Dorpat II, 7: 136. 1865 Plants moderate-sized to robust, fairly
weak-stemmed, lax in submersed forms, +/- sprawling in emergent froms;
golden-brown to dark brown; capitulum weakly 5-radiate, branches straight to
strongly laterally curved. Stems green to pale brown,
superficial cortex only weakly differentiated. Stem leaves
triangular-lingulate, 0.8--1.4 mm, spreading to appressed; apex acute to
narrowly obtuse, hyaline cells nonseptate and fibrillose near apex. Branches
unranked or weakly 5-ranked, straight to strongly curved, leaves moderately
elongated at distal end. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and
1--2 pendent branches. Branch stems green but sometimes
reddish at proximal end, with cortex enlarged with conspicuous retort cells. Branch
leaves ovate-lanceolate to narrowly ovate-lanceolate, 1.8--3.4 mm;
straight to strongly subsecund; weakly undulate and recurved when dry;
margins entire; hyaline cells on convex surface with 1--2 free pores per
fibril interval, concave surface aporose or rarely with a few wall thinnings
in cell ends and angles; chlorophyllous cells trapezoidal in transverse
section and narrowly exposed on concave surface. Sexual
condition dioicous. Spores 33--40 \um. Varieties 5 (2 in the flora): North America, Eurasia. 1. Branch leaf hyaline cells on
convex leaf surface with 1--2 pores per fibril interval, these usually less than
1/3 the cell diameter.. 36a. Sphagnum
majus subsp. majus 1. Branch leaf hyaline cells on
convex leaf surface with 1 pore per fibril interval, these more than 1/3 the
cell diameter............ 36b. Sphagnum
majus subsp. norvegicum 36a. Sphagnum majus (Russow)
C. E. O. Jensen subsp. majus
F Sphagnum dusenii
Russow & Warnstorf Plants golden brown to dark brown; branches strongly
laterally curved. Stem leaves 0.8--1.3 mm, usually appressed. Branch
leaves 2--2.8 mm, straight to
usually strongly subsecund; hyaline cells on convex surface often with 2
pores per fibril interval, pores usually less than 1/3 cell diameter. Spores
33--38 \um; both surfaces roughly verrucate scabrate; proximal laesura less
than 0.5 spore radius. Forming wet carpets but habitat unclear due to recent taxonomic
separation from Sphagnum majus subsp. norvegicum; in North America, S. majus seems to occur
in ombrotrophic to poor fen habitats, often on floating mats, mixed with S. cuspidatum
in eastern North America; B.C.**c**, Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S.,
Ont.**c**, Que.**c**; Alaska**w**, Conn., Maine, Mass., Mich., Minn., N.H.,
N.J., Pa., Vt., Wis.; Eurasia. Sporophytes are rare. In the
field Sphagnum majus subsp. majus is typically darker brown than
subsp. norvegicum, while its
capitulum is denser and less stellate appearing than the latter species. See also discussion of 23. S. annulatum. 36b. Sphagnum majus subsp. norvegicum K. I. Flatberg, K. Norske Vidensk.
Selsk. Skr. 2: 1. 1987 F Plants green, yellow-green, brownish green to
golden-brown; branches straight to slightly curved. Stem
leaves 1--1.4mm, often spreading. Branch leaves 1.8--3.4 mm, straight
to slightly subsecund; hyaline cells on convex surface with mostly 1 pore per
fibril interval, pores more than 1/3 cell diameter. Spores
33--40 \um; distal surface finely and densely granulate. Habitat unclear due to recent taxonomic separation from Sphagnum majus subsp. majus (K. I. Flatberg 1987); in North
America, S. major subsp. norvegicum seems to occur in weakly minerotrophic
habitats such as poor sedge fens, lake edges, and floating mats; Alta.**n**,
B.C.**c**, Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.W.T.**s**, N.S., Ont.**s**, Que.**s**,
Sask.**n**, Yukon**s**; Alaska**c**, Conn., Maine, Mass., Mich., Minn., N.H.,
N.J., N.Y., Pa., Wis.; Eurasia? Sporophytes uncommon. See
discussion of 23. Sphagnum annulatum.
Spore features are taken from from K.
I. Flatberg (1987). 37. Sphagnum mcqueenii R. E. Andrus, SIDA E {{to be published this year}} Plants robust and weak-stemmed; yellow to light
brown; capitulum flat-topped and with +/- conspicuous terminal bud. Stems
light green; superficial cortex of 1--2 layers of moderately differentiated
thin-walled cells. Stem leaves equilateral triangular, 0.8--1.1
mm; often spreading; apex more or less obtuse; leaves often spreading;
hyaline cells usually septate and often fibrillose in proximal half of leaf. Branches
unranked, +/- straight, leaves moderately elongated at distal end. Branch
fascicles with 2 spreading and 1--2 pendent branches. Branch
stems green, with cortex
enlarged with conspicuous retort cells. Branch
leaves ovate-lanceolate, less than 2.2 mm, straight; undulate and sharply
recurved when dry; margins entire; hyaline cells on convex surface with 0--1 apical
pores and often with pseudopores, concave surface with to 12 round wall
thinnings in cell angles and sometimes along commissures; chlorophyllous cells
triangular in transverse section, just enclosed on the concave surface and
broadly exposed on the convex surface. Sexual
condition unknown. Spores not seen. Habitat poorly understood, but known from floating mats in poor fen
habitats; Nfld and Labr. (Nfld.); N.H.,
Pa. Sporophytes for Sphagnum
mcqueenii are unknown. Sphagnum
torreyanum and S. atlanticum both have longer, narrower
and less sharply recurved branch leaves than S. mcqueenii. Both S.
cuspidatum and S. viride have
acute stem leaves as compared to the obtuse stem leaves of this species. Sphagnum
pulchrum has 5-ranked branch leaves
and apiculate stem leaves, which contrast strongly with the unranked branch leaves
and obtuse stem leaves of this species. 38. Sphagnum mendocinum Sullivant, Icones Musc. Suppl., 12. 1874 E Sphagnum mendocinum
var. gracilescens; S. mendocinum
var. recurvum Röll; S. mendocinum var. robustum
Warnstorf; Plants moderately robust and lax; terminal bud
somewhat enlarged; yellow-green to light brownish green. Stems
yellow-green; superficial cortex of 1--2 layers of moderately enlarged cells.
Stem
leaves broadly oblong-triangular, 1.2--1.5 mm; mostly appressed to stem;
apex obtuse; hyaline cells narrow, usually nonseptate, efibrillose and
aporose on convex surface near apex, on concave surface usually efibrillose
with irregular pores along commissures in distal portion of leaf. Branches
with loosely imbricate leaves; often 5-ranked; leaves little to somewhat
elongated at distal end. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and
2--3 pendent branches. Branch stems green, with cortical cells
in 1 layer with conspicuous necks. Branch leaves ovate, ovate-lanceolate
to lanceolate; 2--3.5 mm; flat and undulate at margins and recurved at apex
when dry; straight; margins entire; hyaline cells on concave surface with
very numerous, small ringed or unringed pores along the commissures, 5--12 in
distal portion of leaf and 20--27 in proximal portion, convex surface with 5--15
pores per cell in distal portion of leaf and 14--21 in proximal portion,
pores usually without a ring; chlorophyllous cells triangular to trapezoidal
in transverse section and exposed slightly on concave surface. Sexual
condition dioicous. Spores ca 30 \um; very slightly
roughened. Submerged or floating in weakly minerotrophic wet depressions of
alder swamps, coniferous swamps, Spiraea
thickets, sedge fens, raised bogs, and drainage ditches in mires; B.C.**c**;
Alaska**PH**, Calif., Idaho, Mont., Oreg., Wash. Sporophytes are uncommon. Although
the unique branch leaf porosity of Sphagnum
mendocinum makes it unmistakable
microscopically, it may be confused with other species in the field. The species is unusual ecologically in that
it seems to overlap both the carpet and lawn forming habits---in other words
it seems intermediate between Sphagnum
recurvum s.l. and S. cuspidatum s.l. Among the species that
it overlaps floristically, it is more robust and darker colored than S. pacificum.
The latter also has an apiculate stem
leaf compared to the more or less obtuse stem leaves of S. mendocinum. The more
wet-growing S. majus and S. norvegicum, with which it slightly overlaps
in habitat, have branch leaves that are strongly elongated at the distal branch
ends whereas those of S. mendocinum are not. See also
discussion of S. obtusum. Sexual condition and spore characters are
taken from from H. A. Crum (1984). 39. Sphagnum mississippiense R.
E. Andrus, Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 45: 237. 1987 (as mississippiensis) E Plants small, short and weak-stemmed, compact and
sprawling in thin mats, green to pale yellow. Stems
green, superficial cortex of thin-walled but not much enlarged or
differentiated. Stem leaves elongate-triangular, 1.3--1.5 mm; often spreading;
apex obtuse; hyaline cells mostly efibrillose and 1--septate in proximal half
and lateral portions of leaves. Branches unranked, often blunt and with
leaves moderately elongated at distal end. Branch
fascicles with 2--3 spreading and 0--2 pendent branches. Branch
stems green, with cortex
enlarged with conspicuous retort cells. Branch
leaves ovate to broadly ovate at branch base and becoming ovate-lanceolate
at branch tip; 1.2--1.5 mm; undulate when dry, margins serrulate; hyaline
cells of convex surface with 0--5 pores or pseudopores at cell apex, concave
surface with faint round wall thinnings in cell angles, but may be absent,
chlorophyllous cells trapezoidal in transverse section, exposed more broadly
on convex surface. Sexual condition probably dioicous? Spores
not seen. Mats in seasonally wet depressions in coastal plain; La., Miss., N.J.
Sporophytes are unknown. The
combination of broad branch leaves and obtuse stem leaves will distinguish
this species from Sphagnum cuspidatum and S. viride. The much commoner and more wide-ranging S. trinitense,
although also having serrulate branch leaves, has much narrower branch leaves
that are more elongate at the branch tips, becoming quite lanceolate as
compared with the ovate-lanceolate branch leaves that S. mississippiense
exhibits at its branch tips. 40. Sphagnum obtusum Warnstorf,
Bot. Zeit. 35: 478. 1877 Plants moderate to robust, weak-stemmed, yellow,
yellowish brown to golden brown; capitulum varying from rounded, not
5-radiate and twisted to flat 5-radiate and straight branched. Stem
pale green to pale brown; superficial cortex of weakly to moderately
differentiated. Stem leaves triangular-lingulate, 0.9--1.3 mm; usually appressed;
apex obtuse and often erose; hyaline cells efibrillose and nonseptate. Branches
tapering or in more robust forms, frequently blunt, straight to arcuate, leaves
slightly to moderately elongated at distal end. Branch
fascicles with 2 spreading and 2 pendent branches. Branch
stems green, with cortex enlarged with conspicuous retort cells. Branch
leaves ovate to ovate-lanceolate; more than 1.8 mm; straight, stiff, not much
undulate and reflexed to recurved; margins entire; hyaline cells on convex
surface with a few end pores, but mostly numerous small to very small (often
barely visible) pores or wall thinnings free from the commissures, on concave
surface similar, but with pores generally fewer and larger; chlorophyllous cells
triangular in transverse section, just reaching concave surface or slightly
enclosed. Sexual condition dioicous. Spores
18--27 \um; both surfaces covered with rough, irregular verrucate plates of
papillae, bifurcated Y-mark sculpture on distal surface; proximal laesura
less than 0.5 spore radius. Forming carpets in minerotrophic peatlands; Greenland**s**; Alta.**c**,
B.C.**n**, Man.**n**, Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.W.T.**c**, Nunavut**c**, Ont.**n**,
Que.**c**, Sask.**n**, Yukon,**c**; Alaska**c,AI,PH**, Minn.; Eurasia. Sporophytes are uncommon in Sphagnum
obtusum. This is a quite phenotypically
variable species that warrants further investigation, which may result in
taxonomic splitting. The strongly obtuse
stem leaf should separate it from any similar species with which it occurs. Sphagnum
mendocinum looks similar phenotypically
but there appears to be no range overlap with S. obtusum. The tiny
branch leaf pores, which may seem like no more than pinpricks in the cell
surface, separate S. obtusum easily microscopically from
other species of sect. Cuspidata. 41. Sphagnum pacificum Flatberg, Bryologist 92: 116, figs. 1--20. 1989
E Plants moderate-sized and fairly strong-stemmed;
green, yellow to yellowish brown; capitulum 5-radiate in shade forms to
hemispherical in open grown or drier growing forms. Stems
pale green to pale brown, sometimes with red branch bases; superficial cortex
of 2 layers of enlarged, clearly differentiated and thin-walled cells. Stem
leaves triangular to lingulate-triangular, 0.8--1.3 mm; typically
appressed; apex acute to apiculate; hyaline cells efibrillose and nonseptate
to rarely septate. Branches straight and somewhat tapered,
usually 5-ranked; leaves little elongate at the distal branch end. Branch
fascicles with 2 spreading and 2--3 pendent branches. Branch
stems green but often reddish at proximal end, with cortex enlarged with
conspicuous retort cells. Branch leaves ovate to narrowly
ovate-lanceolate; (1.1--)1.4--1.8(--3.1) mm; slightly undulate and sharply
recurved when dry, somewhat subsecund; margins entire; hyaline cells on
convex surface with usually 1 round pore on apical end, on concave surface with
wall thinnings in the cell ends and angles; chlorophyllous cells broadly triangular
in transverse section and very deeply enclosed on the concave surface. Sexual
condition dioicous. Spores 19--25 \um; finely papillose
on both surfaces. Forested and open poor fen habitats, often as a ruderal species in extensive
mats; B.C.**c**; Alaska**s,AI,PH**, Oreg., Wash. Sporophytes in Sphagnum
pacificum are uncommon. See
discussion of 26. S. brevifolium. Characters of the spores are taken from K.
I. Flatberg (1989). 42. Sphagnum pulchrum (Lindberg)
Warnstorf, Bot. Centralbl. 82: 42. 1900 Sphagnum intermedium var. pulchrum Lindberg in R. Braithwaite, Sphagnac. Eur., 81, frg.
25g. 1880 Plants moderate-sized to robust, often quite
dense and compact; green, brownish green, golden-brown to dark brown;
capitulum flat-topped and not especially 5-radiate. Stems
green to dark brown; superficial cortex of 2 layers of enlarged, moderately
differentiated cells. Stem leaves triangular to triangular-lingulate,
0.9--1.1 mm; appressed to spreading; apex apiculate, acute or narrowly
obtuse, appressed to spreading; hyaline cells nonseptate and efibrillose. Branches
straight to more typically curved, typically stout and blunt ended; strongly
5-ranked, leaves not much elongate at distal end, Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and 2 pendent branches. Branch
stems green but often reddish at proximal end, with cortex enlarged with
conspicuous retort cells. Branch leaves ovate to
ovate-lanceolate, 1.4--1.8 mm; straight to often subsecund; weakly undulate
and slightly recurved; hyaline cells on convex surface with 1 pore per cell
at apical end of cell, on concave surface with round wall thinnings in the
cells ends and angles; chlorophyllous cells triangular to triangular-ovate in
transverse section, very well-enclosed within concave surface. Sexual
condition dioicous. Spores 25--28 \um; roughly papillous
on both surfaces; proximal laesura more than 0.5 the length of the spore.: Abundant in poor fens and raised bogs, forming dense carpets at water
level, especially on floating mats; Man **s**, N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.),
N.S., Ont.**c**, Que.**c**; Alaska**w**, Conn., Ind., Maine, Mass., Mich.,
Minn., N.H., N.J., N.Y., Wis., W.Va.; Europe. Sporophytes are uncommon in Sphagnum
pulchrum. With its distinctive broad and strongly 5-ranked branch leaves, S. pulchrum is one of our most easily recognized species. 43. Sphagnum recurvum P.
Beauvois, Prodr. Aetheog., 88. 1805 Sphagnum pentastichon
Bridel; S. pulchricoma J. K. A. Müller; S.
riparioides Warnstorf Plants moderate-sized to robust, moderately
stiff-stemmed, +/- lax, but not compact; green to pale yellow to yellowish
brown; capitulum typically strongly convex in open grown forms, but flat and +/-
5-radiate in shade forms. Stem pale green to yellowish;
superficial cortex of 2 layers of enlarged, thin-walled and well
differentiated cells. Stem leaves triangular,
triangular-lingulate to lingulate, more than 0.8 mm, appressed, apex obtuse
to broadly obtuse, erose to fimbriate; hyaline cells efibrillose and
nonseptate. Branches straight and often tapering, often 5-ranked, leaves not much
elongate at distal end of branches. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and
2 pendent branches. Branch stems green, cortex enlarged
with conspicuous retort cells. Branch leaves ovate-lanceolate,
1.4--2 mm, straight; slightly undulate and sharply recurved; margins entire;
hyaline cells on convex surface with 1 pore per cell at cell apex, concave
surface with round wall thinnings in the cell ends and angles; chlorophyllous
cells triangular in transverse section and well-enclosed on concave surface. Sexual
condition dioicous. Spores 22--28 \um; papillose on both
surfaces; proximal laesura more than 0 5 spore radius. Capsules mature late summer to early fall. Forming carpets in a variety of very poor to
poor fen habitats, including sedge fens, pocosins, bay swamps; Nfld. and
Labr. (Nfld.), N.S.; Ala., Ark., Conn., Del., Fla., Ga., Ill., Ind., Ky.,
La., Maine, Md., Mass., Miss., Mo., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Pa., S.C.,
Tenn., Tex., Vt., Va., W.Va.; South America. Sporophytes in Sphagnum
recurvum are uncommon. This
species is exclusively New World. It has several strong characters that
distinguish it from S. flexuosum, and the opinion of H. A. Crum
(1997) that the two species are synonymous is rejected. See discussion of S. flexuosum. 44. Sphagnum riparium Ångstrom,
Ofv. Sv. Vet.-Akad. Forh. 21: 198. 1864 Plants stiff and upright, large; green to pale
green to brownish, capitulum large and flat, with a conspicuous terminal bud.
Stems
pale green, superficial cortex of 3--4 layers of weakly differentiated cells.
Stem
leaves triangular-lingulate, 1.2--1.4 mm; apex with a deep lacerate
split; hyaline cells aporose, efibrillose and often septate. Branches
unranked to rarely 5-ranked, branch leaves only weakly undulate, but sharply recurved
at the apex, leaves not much elongated at distal end. Branch
fascicles with 2 spreading and 2 pendent branches. Branch
stem green, cortex enlarged with retort cells. Branch
leaves ovate-lanceolate; 2--2.6 mm; straight; weakly undulate but
strongly recurved, hyaline cells on convex surface with very large irregular
pores (formed from the confluence of several smaller pores) at the cell apex,
concave surface with large round wall thinnings in the cell angles;
chlorophyllous cells triangular to trapezoidal in transverse section, apex
normally slightly exposed on concave surface. Sexual
condition dioicous. Spores 22--28 \um; proximal surface
noticeably papillose, distal surface smooth or with fewer papillae; proximal
laesura more than 0.5 the length of the radius. Forming often extensive carpets in weakly minerotrophic mires; Greenland**s**;
Alta.**c**, B.C.**c**, Man.**c**, N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.W.T.**c**,
N.S., Ont.**c**, P.E.I., Que.**c**, Sask.**n**, Yukon,**c**; Alaska**c,AI,PH**,
Conn., Ind., Maine, Mass., Mich., Minn., Mont., N.H., N.J., N.Y., Ohio, Pa.,
Vt., Wash.; Eurasia. Sporophytes are uncommon in Sphagnum
riparium. This species is typically
very easily recognized in the field with its pale green color, strong
terminal bud and unranked branch leaves. 45. Sphagnum rubroflexuosum R.
E. Andrus, Bryologist 91: 364, figs. 1--8. 1988 E Plants small, soft, fairly weak-stemmed; pale
green to pale yellow brown; capitulum not 5-radiate or only weakly so, may be
tinged with red; capitulum and along stem; loose to somewhat compact. Stems
pale green to pink; superficial cortex of undifferentiated. Stem
leaves 0.7--1 mm (to 1.2 mm in hemiisophyllous forms) elongate-triangular
to triangular-lingulate, apex obtuse-erose, to apiculate; usually fibrillose
at least apically; in hemiisophyllous forms spreading and in anisophyllous
forms appressed; hyaline cells often septate at base. Branches
moderately long and tapering, unranked to weakly 5-ranked, leaves not much elongated
at distal end. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and 2--3 pendent branches. Branch
stem cortex enlarged and with conspicuous retort cells. Branch
leaves 1--1.7 mm, ovate-lanceolate, undulate and recurved when dry; hyaline
cells on convex surface with 3--10 round pores per cell in the cell angles
and free, on concave surface with round wall thinnings in the ends and angles.
Sexual
condition unknown. Spores not seen, Forming carpets in weakly minerotrophic fens; Md., Pa. Sporophytes are unknown in Sphagnum
rubroflexuosum. Compared to the
closely related S. flexuosum, this species is paler and
may have a reddish stem. Otherwise
identification must be made microscopically on the basis of branch leaf
porosity. Although we have not seen
this species in the field, it should be separable from S. majus, the only
other large, aquatic species of sect. Cuspidata
in its range by traits of stem leaves and its color. Sphagnum
majus is also typically a much
darker brown. 46. Sphagnum splendens Maass,
Bryologist 70: 193, figs. 1--4. 1967 E Plants moderate-sized, pale brown and shiny,
capitulum well defined. Stems yellowish, superficial cortex of
moderately well differentiated. Stem leaves triangular, 0. 7--0. 9
mm, appressed to stem; apex apiculate; hyaline cells efibrillose and
nonseptate. Branches moderately tapering, leaves only moderately larger at branch
tips. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and 2 pendent branches. Branch
stems green; cortex enlarged with conspicuous retort cells. Branch
leaves ovate-lanceolate, 1--1.4 mm; straight; stiff, not undulate and
slightly recurved; margins entire; hyaline cells efibrillose, convex surface
with 1 pore per cell at cell apex, on concave surface with round wall
thinnings in the cell ends and angles; chlorophyllous cells triangular in
transverse section and well enclosed to just reaching concave surface. Sexual
condition unknown. Spores unknown. Known only from the type locality; w Que.**c**. Sporophytes of this species are unknown. The lack of any fibrils in the branch leaf hyaline
calls gives Sphagnum splendens an unusually glossy appearance
that should make it readily identifiable in the field. The fact that it differs from S. fallax only in one character as
well as it being known only from the type locality makes S. splendens a
questionable taxon to some observers. More
investigation is needed. 47. Sphagnum tenellum (Bridel)
Bory, Voy. Iles Afr. 3: 107. 1804 Sphagnum cymbibolium
var. tenellum Bridel, Musc.
Recent. 2(1): 24. 1798; S. molluscum Bruch Plants small, slender and weak-stemmed; pale
yellow to golden-brown, rarely tinged with red; capitulum not especially
distinct. Stems pale green to pale brown; superficial cortex of 2--3 layers
of enlarged thin-walled cells. Stem leaves ovate-lingulate; 1--1.3
mm, apex broadly rounded; hyaline cells nonseptate, aporose and fibrillose in
at least distal half of leaf. Branches 2--3 spreading and 2 pendent
leaves not much elongated at distal end. Branch
stems green; cortex enlarged, with conspicuously long-necked retort cells.
Branch
leaves ovate, 1--1.5 mm; straight; not or weakly undulate or recurved when
dry; margins entire; hyaline cells short and wide, convex surface with 1--3
small pores per cell and on concave surface with large round wall thinnings
in the cell angles; chlorophyllous cells equilateral-triangular in transverse
section, broadly exposed on convex surface and just reaching to well-enclosed
on concave surface. Sexual condition monoicous. Spores
27--42 \um; both surfaces smooth, proximal surface with distinct bifurcated
Y-mark sculpture surrounded by distinct circular border, distal surface with
distinct raised border around margins; proximal laesura usually less than 0.4
spore radius. Capsules mature early to mid-summer. Wet depressions in a variety of ombrotropic
and weakly minerotrophic habitats; Greenland**s**; B.C.**c**, Man.**n**, N.B.,
Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S.; Alaska**c, ,AI,PH**, Maine, N.J., N.Y., N.C.;
Eurasia. Sporophytes are common in Sphagnum
tenellum. The delicate appearance
created by the ovate and concave branch leaves as well as the large concave
stem leaves make this a usually unmistakeable species. 48. Sphagnum torreyanum Sullivant,
Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts Sci. n. s. 4: 174. 1849 E Sphagnum cuspidatum
var. torreyi Braithwaite; S. cuspidatum
var. miquelonense (Röll) Renauld &
Cardot; S. kearneyi Warnstorf; S. laxifolium
var. miquelonense Röll Plants robust and weak-stemmed; green to
golden-yellow; capitulum +/- rounded in emergent forms, flat in submersed
forms; lacking distinct terminal bud. Stems green to brown; superficial
cortex of 2 layers of thin-walled and enlarged cells. Stem
leaves triangular, 1--1.7 mm, apex acute to slightly obtuse; leaves
usually appressed; margins entire; hyaline cells fibrillose and usually
septate at base and sides. Branches unranked, long and tapering,
leaves greatly elongated at distal end. Branch
fascicles with 2 spreading and 2 pendent branches. Branch
stems green; cortex enlarged with conspicuous retort cells. Branch
leaves ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate, 3--5.5 mm; straight but sometimes
slightly falcate-secund; weakly undulate and recurved when dry; margins
entire; hyaline cells on convex surface with 0--1 pore per cell, on concave
surface with round wall thinnings on the apices and angles; chlorophyllous
cells narrowly triangular in transverse section and just enclosed on the
concave surface. Sexual condition dioicous. Spores
26--29 \um; both surfaces distinctly papillose, appearing pusticulate to
irregularly pusticulate; proximal laesura mostly less than 0.5 spore radius. Forming wet often floating carpets in weakly minerotrophic mires; St.
Pierre and Miquelon (Miquelon); N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S., Que.**c**;
Ala., Conn., Del., Fla., Ga., La., Maine, Md., Mass., Miss., N.H., N.J., N.Y.,
N.C., Pa., S.C., Vt., Va. Sporophytes are uncommon in Sphagnum
torreyanum. See discussion of 24. S. atlanticum
for taxonomic distinctions. 49. Sphagnum trinitense J.
K. A. Müller, Syn. Musc. 1: 102. 1848 Sphagnum cuspidatum
var. serratum (Austin) Austin; S. cuspidatum
var. serrulatum (Schliephacke) Schliephacke;
S. helleri Warnstorf; S. laxifolium var. serrulatum Schliephacke; S.
serratum Austin Plants moderate-sized, slender and weak-stemmed,
green to pale yellow; flaccid and plumose in aquatic forms to more compact
and sprawling in emergent forms; green to pale yellow; capitulum not
especially enlarged and differentiated. Stems
green; superficial cortex of undifferentiated or nearly so. Stem leaves
ovate-triangular to triangular, 1--1.6 mm; appressed to spreading; apex acute
to slightly obtuse; hyaline cells often fibrillose and often 1-septate. Branches
straight and unranked, in capitulum tapering at distal end to a point, leaves
greatly elongated at distal end. Branch stems green, cortex enlarged
with conspicuous retort cells. Branch leaves ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate,
2--3.5 mm; straight, undulate and slightly recurved when dry; margin
serrulate; hyaline cells on convex surface with 0--1 small pores at cell apex
on concave surface with round wall thinnings in cell angles (often indistinct
or lacking); chlorophyllous cells trapezoidal in transverse section and
exposed more broadly on the convex surface. Sexual
condition monoicous. Spores 26--40 \um; +/- roughly to
densely granulose. Capsules mature early to mid-summer. Submersed or stranded at edge of shallow,
acidic pond, lakes, and roadside ditches, mostly in sandy areas of the
Atlantic coastal plain; Del., Fla., Ga., Ill., Kans., La., Md., Mass., N.J.,
N.Y., N.C., Pa., S.C., Va.; South America. Sporophytes are common in Sphagnum
trinitense, which can often be distinguished from S. cuspidatum in the
field by the appearance of its branches when wet. In this state the branches of S. trinitense
just below the capitulum resemble a fine paintbrush drawn out to a pointed
tip. See also under S. fitzgeraldii
and S. mississippiensis. Spore
features are taken from from H. A. Crum (1984). 50. Sphagnum viride Flatberg, K. Norske Vidensk. Selsk. Skr. 1:
9, figs. 1--2, 6: a, 7, 15--16, 17: m--x, 18, 19: b, 20: b, 21: a,c, 22:
k--x.. 1988 Plants slender and weak-stemmed, moderate-sized,
flaccid and plumose when submerged and stiffer and more compact when
emergent; green to yellow, usually not tinged with brown or red; capitulum
well defined, flat in submersed forms and more rounded in emergent forms. Stems
green; superficial cortex of 2--3 layers of enlarged thin-walled cells. Stem
leaves long triangular-ovate, 1--2 mm; usually appressed; apex acute to
apiculate, hyaline cells only rarely septate or aporose but often fibrillose
in apical region. Branches unranked, straight to slightly curved, leaves somewhat
elongated at distal end. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and
2--3 pendent branches. Branch stems green, cortex enlarged
with conspicuous retort cells. Branch leaves 1.5--2.7 mm,
ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate ; straight to falcate toward branch tips; when
dry often undulate and lightly recurved, margins entire to rarely weakly
toothed along the margins in flaccid aquatic forms, hyaline cells on convex
surface with 0--1 small round pores at apex, on concave surface with faint
round wall thinnings in cell apices and angles; chlorophyllous cells
triangular to trapezoidal in transverse section, broadly exposed on the
convex surface and exposed slightly to broadly on the concave surface. Sexual
condition dioicous. Spores 30--43 \um; the superficial
surface coarsely papillose to papillose reticulate. Widespread, forming wet carpets in weakly minerotrophic mires; Nfld.
and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S.; Ala., Conn., Del., Fla., Ind., Maine, Mass., Mich.,
Minn., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Pa., S.C., Tenn., Vt., Va.; Europe. The sporophytes of Sphagnum
viride are uncommon. See
discussion of 27. S. cuspidatum for taxonomic distinctions.
Spore characters from K. I. Flatberg
(1988). 1g. Sphagnum
sect. Subsecunda
(Lindberg) Schimper, Syn. ed. 2. 1876 Sphagnum [unranked] Subsecunda Lindberg, Öfv. Förh. Kongl. Svenska Vetensk.-Akad. 19:
1862; S. [unranked] Cavifolia
C. E. O. Jensen; S. [unranked] Comatosphagnum J. K. A. Müller; S. [unranked] Cyclophylla Lesquereux & T. P. James; S. sect. Hemitheca
Braithwaite Plants erect to prostrate, extremely variable,
capitulum rarely well-developed; green, yellowish, light brown, golden brown,
reddish brown to dark brown. Stem green to dark brown, superficial
cortex of 0--3 layers of efibrillose, non-ornamented, enlarged, thin-walled
cells; cells in outer layer aporose or with single round to elliptical wall thinning
adjacent to the distal cell wall, visible only with heavy staining. Stem
leaves varying from smaller than to larger than branch leaves;
triangular, ovate to lingulate; with rounded and sometimes erose apex; border
entire; hyaline cells rhomboid to S-shaped, non-ornamented, efibrillose to
fibrillose, aporose to sometimes porose, non- to multiply septate; neither
surface resorbed. Branches not always clearly dimorphic, spreading and pendent
branches very similar. Branch fascicles 1--3 spreading and
0--2(-4) pendent. Branch stems green, surrounded by 1 layer of efibrillose,
non-ornamented, thin-walled, inflated cells, with solitary short-necked
retort cells or with conspicuously necked retort cells, interspersed with
primarily aporose rectangular-shaped cells. Branch
leaves oval, ovate or ovate-lanceolate; hyaline cells fibrillose,
non-ornamented; convex surface mostly with numerous elliptical to round pores
(8--24 per cell) in rows along commissures on convex surface, concave surface
with fewer or no pores; chlorophyllous cells elliptical in transverse
section, +/- equally exposed on both surfaces or slightly more on convex
surface, end walls not thickened. Sexual condition dioicous. Capsule
with few pseudostomata. Spores 22--41 \um, with or without
raised surface sculpture on distal surface; proximal laesura more than 0.5
spore radius. Species 99 (13 in the flora): worldwide
in distribution excepting Antarctica. 1. Stem cortex
undifferentiated, superficial layer composed of small thick-walled cells................................................. 57.
Sphagnum
microcarpum 1. Stem cortex differentiated
with one or more superficial layers of enlarged thin-walled cells. 2. Stem cortex of mostly 2--3 superficial
layers of enlarged, thin-walled cells. 3. Stem leaves broadly ovate
and completely fibrillose, fascicles of 3 branches; terminal bud large, round.. 61. Sphagnum
platyphyllum 3. Stem leaves lingulate and fibrillose
apically; fascicles most 4 or more branches; terminal bud, if any, small. 4. At least some stem leaf
hyaline cells with 2 or more parallel septations; branch leaves 2.2--3 mm................ 51. Sphagnum carolinianum 4. Stem leaf hyaline cells
without parallel septations, usually non-septate; branch leaves 1.2--2 mm... 52. Sphagnum
contortum 2. Stem cortex of mostly 1 superficial
layer of enlarged, thin-walled cells. 5. Stem simple without
branches. 6. Hyaline cells of stem and
branch leaves with numerous minute, rounded pores on free surface, stem and
branch leaves similar and very large (3.5--4 mm), some stem cortical cells
with a single wall thinning at the distal end of the cell.... 53. Sphagnum
cyclophyllum 6. Hyaline cells of stem and
branch leaves without pores on superficial surface or with 1--3 small pores
in apical ends and angles of cells, stem leaves longer (1.5--2.5 mm) than
branch leaves (0.9--1.2 mm), stem cortical cells aporose................. 62. Sphagnum
pylaesii (in part) 5. Stems with branches
arranged in fascicles. 7. Hyaline cells of branch
leaves without pores on convex surface or with 1--3 small pores in cell
apical ends and angles, hyaline cells of branch leaves with thick fibrils
that nearly divide the cells into a series of squarish segments.... 62. Sphagnum
pylaesii (in part) 7. Hyaline cells of branch
leaves with rows of commissural pores or with 1--5 pores per cell free from
the commissures on the convex surface, hyaline cells with thin fibrils. 8. Stem leaves greater than
1.2 mm, lingulate to ovate-lingulate, generally fibrillose for more than 1/3
their length.............. 56. Sphagnum
lescurii 8. Stem leaves equal to or
less than 1.2 mm, triangular to triangular-lingulate, generally fibrillose
for 1/3 or less their length. 9. Branch leaf hyaline cells
lacking pores along the commissures but up to 5 small pores free from the
commissures on convex surface............ 58.
Sphagnum
oregonense 9. Branch leaf hyaline cells
with continuous rows of pores along the commissures and sometimes with few to
numerous pores free from the commissures on convex surface. 10. Branch leaf hyaline cell
pores less than or equal to 3 \um, often with 1--2 rows of pores free from
the commissures. 11. Branch leaf hyaline cells on
convex surface with tiny pores less than or equal to 1 \um, stem leaf hyaline
cells with moderate to large pores in cell angles, plants pale yellow to gray-green
and not shiny........................ 59.
Sphagnum
orientale 11. Branch leaf hyaline cells
with pores ca. 2 μm, stem leaf hyaline cells with small pores in rows, plants
golden-brown to dark brown and shiny........................... 60.
Sphagnum
perfoliatum 10. Branch leaf hyaline cell
pores more than 3 μm, lacking pores free from the commissures. 12. Branch leaf hyaline cells on
convex surface in discontinuous rows in the basal portion of the leaf, these often
only in the cell ends and angles....................... 54.
Sphagnum
inexspectatum 12. Branch leaf hyaline cell
pores on convex surface in continuous rows in the basal portion of the leaf. 13. Stem leaves longer than 0.7
mm; branch leaves equal to or greater than 1.2 mm, mostly straight. 55. Sphagnum
inundatum 13. Stem leaves less than 0.7
mm; branch leaves less than 1.2 mm, often subsecund.......... 63. Sphagnum subsecundum 51. Sphagnum carolinianum R.
E. Andrus, Bryologist 86: 257, figs. 1--4, 11--15, 18, 19. 1983
E Sphagnum subsecundum
var. carolinianum (R. E. Andrus) H.
A. Crum Plants moderate to large, erect to floating,
green to dark brown; capitulum large, well defined and flat-topped. Stems
typically light green but grading to dark brown; superficial cortex of 2--3 layers
of enlarged, thin-walled cells. Stem leaves lingulate to
lingulate-triangular, 0.7--1.5 mm (to 3 mm in isophyllous forms), apex erose;
hyaline cells mostly 1--septate but in a few cells with 2--3 parallel
septations, efibrillose to fibrillose throughout, pores present in
hemiisophyllous and isophyllous forms. Branches
straight to somewhat curved, with spreading leaves. Branch
fascicles with 2 spreading and 2 pendent in emergent forms, these reduced
in aquatic forms to 2 per fascicle. Branch leaves variable, broadly ovate to
ovate-lanceolate, 1.3--5 mm; straight, hyaline cells on the convex surface
with 4--8 μm round to elliptic pores in nearly continuous rows along the
commissures, the concave surface aporose or with some porosity as on the
convex surface. Sexual condition unknown. Capsule not seen. Spores
not seen. Forming wet often floating carpets in pools in weakly minerotrophic
mires; Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.); Ala., Del., Fla., Ga., La., Maine, Mass., Miss.,
Mo., N.J., N.Y., N.C., S.C., Tenn., Tex., Va. The sporophytes of Sphagnum
carolinianum are unknown. In its
apparent restriction to the coastal plain, this species is most similar
distributionally to such species as S.
macrophyllum, S. fitzgeraldii, and S. tenerum.
When forming carpets, S. carolinianum
macrospically most resembles S. atlanticum but its branch leaves are not
as elongate as the latter and its stem leaves have a much more obtuse apex. When growing aquatically, S. caroliniaum
can resemble S. cribrosum, but in the latter species
the hanging branches are not different from the spreading branches and may
even be lacking. 52. Sphagnum contortum Schultz, Prodr. Fl. Starg. Suppl., 64. 1819 Plants moderate to small-sized, weak-stemmed to
spawling; green, yellow-green to golden-brown; capitulum usually large and
flat with curved branches; green, yellow-green, or golden brown. Stems
pale green to light brown, rarely dark brown; superficial cortex of 2--3 layers
of enlarged, thin-walled cells. Stem leaves triangular-lingulate to
lingulate, 0.7--1.4 mm; apex rounded-obtuse and weakly denticulate; hyaline
cells nonseptate, mostly efibrillose, and, if porose, with more pores per
cell on the concave surface (3--6) than on the convex surface (0--2). Branches
somewhat curved, leaves spreading. Branch fascicles with 2--3 spreading
and 2--3(4) pendent branches. Branch leaves ovate to ovate-lanceolate,
1.2--2 mm; subsecund; hyaline cells with numerous tiny pores in a continuous
line along the commissures on the convex surface, no or scattered pores on
the concave surface. Sexual condition dioicous. Capsule
exserted, with scattered pseudostomata. Spores
22--28 \um; papillose on both surfaces; proximal laesurae more than 0.5 spore
radius. Very minerotrophic, sometimes found in slightly basic mires;
intolerant of shade; Alta.**n**, B.C.**n**, Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S.,
Ont.**c**, Que.**c**; Alaska**s,PH**, Calif., Colo., Conn., Idaho, Ill.,
Ind., Maine, Md., Mass., Mich., Minn., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Oreg.,
Pa., R.I., Vt., Wash., W.Va., Wis.; Eurasia. Sporophytes are rare in Sphagnum
contortum. This species is often
associated with S. warnstorfii, S. centrale, Campylium stellatum, and Calliergonella
cuspidata. The relatively small size, curved capitulum
branches and loosely spreading, subsecund branch leaves separate this species
out along with S. subsecundum. See also discussion of S. platyphyllum. 53. Sphagnum cyclophyllum Sullivant
in A. Gray, Man. ed. 2, 611. 1856. Plants low, erect or procumbent, loosely tufted;
green or more frequently yellowish, orangish brown-red, reddish brown or dark
red; capitulum not developed. Stems brown to black; superficial cortex
of 1 (--2) layers of enlarged, thin-walled cells. Stem
leaves broadly ovate, 3.5--4 mm, apex rounded and indistinctly toothed;
hyaline cells on convex surface with 10--20 small (2.5--7.5 microns) round
pores approximately 1/6 the diameter of the hyaline cells along the
commissures, cells on concave surface uniporose in distal end or aporose,
sometimes one or a few pores are scattered over the surface of the cells. Branches
few, single and short or more commonly none. Branch
fascicles, if any, usually only 1 single branch. Branch
leaves if any, are usually slightly smaller, 2--3 mm, but otherwise
identical to the stem leaves. Sexual condition dioicous. Capsule
immersed in perichaetial leaves, pseudopodium extremely short, without
pseudostomata. Spores 25--40 \um; coarsely papillose on both surfaces; proximal
laesura more than 0.5 the length of the spore Bare sand in places that are usually submerged for a portion of the
year, in open grassy savannas, pine barrens, ditches; N.S.; Ala., Fla., Ga.,
La., Miss., N.J., N.C., S.C., Tenn., Tex., Va.; South America. Sporophytes are quite rare in Sphagnum
cyclophyllum. This species grows
associated with S. pylaesii, S. perichaetiale, S. portoricense,
and S. lescurii. Sphagnum pylaesii is the only other North American Sphagnum that regularly grows unbranched. The latter species not only lacks the typical
sect. Subsecunda branch leaf
porosity of S. cyclophyllum but is also much slenderer. Sphagnum
pylaesii is also much more likely to occur submersed, where it occurs in
branched forms, something S. cyclophyllum rarely does. See also discussion of S. microcarpum and S. platyphyllum. 54. Sphagnum inexspectatum Flatberg,
Lindbergia 30: 59. 2005 E
Sphagnum subsecundum var. andrusii H. A. Crum; S. subsecundum
var. junsaiense (Warnstorf) H. A.
Crum. Plants moderate-sized, normally erect; yellowish
to reddish brown, greenish in shaded forms; capitulum moderately distinct and
rounded. Stems dark brown; superficial cortex of 1(--2) layers of thin-walled
enlarged cells. Stem leaves triangular-lingulate to ovate-lingulate, 0.9--1.5 mm,
apex rounded, straight; hyaline cells mostly non-septate, fibrillose in
distal 1/3--2/3 of leaf, a few ringed pores at corners of cells and along
commissures on convex surface, ringed pores along the commissures on the
concave surface usually in greater numbers than on convex surface. Branches
short, not turgid. Branch fascicles with 2--3 spreading
and 1--2 pendent branches. Branch leaves broad-ovate to ovate-lanceolate,
0.9--2.6 mm, straight; hyaline cells with numerous ringed pores (10--20)
along the commissures on the convex surface, these reduced to cells angles
and ends only at the base of the leaf, a few pseudopores and ringed pores
(less than 8 per cell) occur on the cell angles on the concave surface. Sexual
condition dioicous. Capsule exserted, with few pseudostomata.
Spores
36--39 \um; coarsely papillose on both surfaces; proximal laesura less than
or equal to 0.5 spore radius. Ecology unclear, but growing in carpets in depressions, blanket
mires; B.C.**n**; Alaska**s,AI,PH**. This species is frequently collected with Sphagnum tenellum, S. pacificum,
S. andersonianum, and S. rubellum in weakly minerotrophic
blanket mires. It is similar in size
to S. subsecundum, with which its range completely overlaps. The latter species has many of the branch
leaves subsecund while those of S. inexspectatum are straight. The stem leaves of S. inexspectatum are
also conspicuously larger than those of S.
subsecundum. 55. Sphagnum inundatum Russow, Arch. Nat. Dorpat 2, 10: 390. 1894 Sphagnum auriculatum
var. inundatum (Russow) M. O. Hill;
S. bavaricum Warnstorf?; S.
bushii Warnstorf & Cardot?; S. novo-foundlandicum Warnstorf; S. subsecundum
var. inundatum (Russow) C. E. O.
Jensen Plants moderate-sized, green in the shade to
variegated yellow or orange or both in open habitats; capitulum typically
rounded. Stems green to brownish or yellow; superficial cortex of 1 layer of
enlarged, thin-walled cells. Stem leaves lingulate to
triangular-lingulate, 0.9--1.2 mm, apex rounded, usually 1/3--1/2 of leaf
fibrillose; hyaline cells usually fibrillose in distal 1/3--1/2 of leaf, on
convex surface near apex with 1--3 pores per cell, on concave surface near
apex 1--4 pores per cell. Branches arched but rarely curved and
contorted. Branch fascicles with 2--3 spreading and 2--3 pendent branches. Branch
leaves ovate, 1--1.5 mm, straight to slightly subsecund; hyaline cells of
convex surface with numerous ringed pores along the commissures (12--22 per cell),
0--3 pores per cell on the concave surface. Capsule
with few pseudostomata. Spores 30--37 \um; finely papillose
on both surfaces, indistinct raised Y-shaped sculpture on distal surface;
proximal laesura 0.5 spore radius or less. Weakly minerotrophic habitats such as the margins of ponds, marshes,
and mires, in addition to seeps and dripping cliff faces; B.C.**c**, N.B., Nfld.
and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S., Que.**s**; Alaska**s,AI,PH**. Conn., Del., Ky.,
Maine, Mass., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Pa., R.I., S.C., Vt., Va., W.Va.;
Eurasia. The sporophytes of Sphagnum
inundatum are uncommon. The ovate,
concave branch leaves that are occasionally subsecund give this species an
appearance similar to that of S. subsecundum, from which it can usually
be distinguished by its larger size. Sphagnum lescurii typically has distinctly larger stem leaves and capitulum
branches that can be quite turgid and curved in open-grown forms. 56. Sphagnum lescurii Sullivant
in A. Gray, Man. ed. 2. 611. 1856 S. alabamae
Warnstorf?; S. aquatile Warnstorf?; S. auriculatum
Schimper?; S. denticulatum Bridel?; S.
obesum (Wilson) Warnstorf?; S. orlandense
Warnstorf; S. plicatum Warnstorf; S. rufescens
(Nees & Hornschuch) Warnstorf?; S.
turgidulum Warnstorf?; S. wieboldtii
H. A. Crum Plants moderate-sized to robust; upright,
prostrate, or aquatic; green, pale yellow, golden-brown, dark brown, tinged
with red in exposed sites and purplish in aquatic forms; capitulum rounded
and often strongly twisted. Stems pale green to brown, darker in aquatic
forms; superficial cortex of 1 layer of enlarged, thin-walled cells. Stem
leaves lingulate to ovate-lingulate, 1.3--2 mm; apex truncate to rounded,
usually denticulate; hyaline cells typically fibrillose for 1/2 of leaf or
more, often 1-2 septate, convex surface with 4--12 or more pores per cell
along the commissures, concave surface with fewer pores. Branches
usually curving, often large and tumid. Branch
fascicles with 2(rarely 3) spreading and 1--2(3) pendent branches. Branch
leaves broadly ovate to ovate-lanceolate, 1.3--2.5 mm, greatly elongated
in aquatic forms, straight or infrequently subsecund or subsquarrose; hyaline
cells with 10--22 pores along the commissures on the convex surface, no or
fewer pores per cell (1--8) on the concave surface. Sexual
condition dioicous. Capsule exserted, with few
pseudostomata. Spores 27--34 \um; finely papillose on both surfaces, with
distinct raised Y-mark sculpture (indistinctly bifurcated Y mark) on the
distal surface; proximal laesura less than 0.5 spore radius. Weakly minerotrophic in a broad range of wetlands, often of an
aquatic or periodically dried character; Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S.; Ala.,
Ark., Conn., Del., D.C., Fla., Ga., Ill., Ind., Iowa, Ky., La., Maine, Md.,
Mass., Mich., Minn., Miss., Mo., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Okla., Pa.,
R.I., S.C., Tenn., Tex., Vt., Va., Wis., W.Va.; Europe. Sporophytes are uncommon in Sphagnum
lescurii, which may be the most phenotypically variable of all the North
American Sphagna, and quite
probably deserves some taxonomic splitting. The tremendous phenotypic plasticity of this
species, however, makes it quite difficult to sort out the genotypic
component of variability, and thus most sphagnologists since Warnstorf have
avoided the temptation of splitting and have instead treated this as one very
variable species. This is the approach
maintained in this treatment. We have
also chosen not to use the earlier name S.
denticulatum because the type of this
species is a phenotypic morphotype not clearly assignable to the current
concept of either S. auriculatum or S. lescurii (K. I.
Flatberg, personal communication). Some of the American material assignable to S. lescurii
is quite likely the same as the European species S. auriculatum, but
much of our material is certainly not the same. Until more definitive data is available we
have chosen to continue to use the name S.
lescurii. The large stem leaf will generally
distinguish this from similar sect. Subsecunda
species. See also discussion of S. inundatum and S. platyphyllum. 57. Sphagnum microcarpum Warnstorf,
Hedwigia 47: 94. 1907 E F Sphagnum microcarpum
var. humile Warnstorf; S. mobilense
Warnstorf? Plants small; green to light green, capitulum
indistinct. Stems green to dark brown; superficial cortex of nearly undifferentiated.
Stem
leaves isophyllous, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, 2.2--2.8 mm; apex rounded;
hyaline cells nonseptate, convex surface with 6--12 pores per cell along
commissures, concave surface aporose. Branches straight and short. Branch
fascicles nearly all with 2 spreading branch only. Branch
leaves ovate, 1.3--1.7 mm; hyaline cells on convex surface with 8--18 elliptic
pores more than 8 \um, concave surface aporose. Sexual
condition unknown. Capsule not seen. Spores
not seen. Ruderal sites such as dessication-prone depressions, ditches, tire
tracks, and natural depressions among tussocks; Fla., La., N.C. Sporophytes are rare in Sphagnum
microcarpum. This species grows
over bare soil in a manner similar to that of S. cyclophyllum and S. fitzgeraldii.
It is now recognized as separate from S. cyclophyllum,
with which it has been treated as synonymous in the past. Besides the microscopic differences, S. microcarpum
has a compact upright growth form quite unlike typical S. cyclophyllum. Sphagnum
microcarpum is nearly always
branched whereas S. cyclophyllum is nearly always simplex. 58. Sphagnum oregonense Andrus, Bryologist 110: ---. 2007
E {{to be published in 2007}} Plants small, green to light brown; capitulum
moderately well defined. Stems green; superficial cortex of 1
layer of well-differentiated, enlarged and thin-walled cells. Stem
leaves lingulate, 1--1.2 mm, apex entire to somewhat erose; hyaline cells
non-septate; fibrillose and porose in apical region. Branches
slender with small spreading leaves. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and
2 pendent branches. Branch leaves ovate-lanceolate,
1.4--1.6 mm, straight to slightly subsecund, weakly undulate, often recurved
in capitulum branches; hyaline cells on convex surface with up to 5 small
round faint pores per cell in the basal portion of the cell and free from the
cell margins, concave surface aporose. Sexual
condition unknown. Capsule not seen. Spores
not seen. Currently known only from the type locality where it occurs in a high
elevation fen; Oreg. Sporophytes are unknown for Sphagnum
oregonense. This taxon is commonly
associated with other minerotrophic bryophytes such as Messia triquetra, Calliergon cordifolium, and Campylium
polygamum. This is a curious species that has an
obvious close relationship with sect. Cuspidata.
When wet it is similar in appearance
to S. subsecundum but upon drying the sightly undulate and recurved
branch leaves give it the charactereistic appearance of this section. The branch leave porosity is also more
similar to that of species in sect. Cuspidata
than sect. Subsecunda. 59. Sphagnum orientale L. I. Savicz, Not. Syst. Sect. Crypt.
Inst. Bot. Komar. Acad. Sci. URSS 7: 206. 1951 F Plants pale yellow-brown, grey-green, to pale
brown; not shiny when dry. Stems green to brownish; superficial cortex
of 1 sometimes irregularly 2 layers of inflated, thin-walled cells. Stem
leaves triangular-lingulate to lingulate; 0.7--0.8 mm; apex rounded and
often erose, hyaline cells nonseptate or sometimes 1-septate, numerous small
round pores more than 2 \um along the commissures and scattered across the
cell on the convex surface, on the concave surface fewer similar-sized pores
along the commissures. Branches short and slightly curved Branch
fascicles with 2 spreading and 2 pendent branches. Branch
leaves ovate, 1.1--1.3 mm, distinctly curved to secund; hyaline cells
covered with numerous (more than 30 per cell) tiny pores (ca. 1 \um) on
convex surface along the commissures and across the cell surface, sometimes
forming several linear rows of free pores, on concave surface with fewer
pores round to oval and slightly larger (more than 2 \um) restricted to
commissures. Sexual condition probably dioicous. Capsule
not seen. Spores not seen. Commonly in muskeg pond margins, low center polygons, wet meadows,
and tundra pool margins, usually occurring in very wet or submerged habitats;
Nunavut**c**, N.W.T.**c**; Alaska**n**; Asia. The ecology of Sphagnum
orientale is poorly known, in part due to taxonomic confusion with S. perfoliatum
and in part to its very northern distribution. Like other sect. Subsecunda species, however, it is clearly minerotrophic,
probably weakly so. Associated
vascular plants include Carex aquatilis, C. bigelowii, C. misandra,
C. rotundata, Eriphorum spissum, Oxycoccus palustris,
and Betula glandulosa. Associated
bryophytes include Sphagnum aongstroemii, S. fimbriatum ssp. concinnum, S. jensenii, S. obtusum,
S. rubellum, S. talbotianum,S.
squarrosum, and Cinclidium subrotundatum. Sporophytes are rare. Similar species with which it overlaps in
range are S. subsecundum and S. perfoliatum. It is about the same size as S. subsecundum
but typically is much paler in color than the golden to reddish brown of the
latter. Sphagnum perfoliatum is much larger and indeed looks much like
some forms of S. lescurii or S.auriculatum, even to having curved, horn-like branches. Sphagnum
perfoliatum is also typically quite
richly colored and glossy in appearance. 60. Sphagnum perfoliatum L. I. Savicz-Lubitskaya, Not. Syst. Sect. Crypt. Inst. Bot. Komar.
Acad. Sci. URSS 7: 208. 1951 F Plants moderate-sized, upright but weak-stemmed;
golden-brown to dark brown; capitulum distinct and often with strongly curved
branches. Stems brownish to dark brown; superficial cortex of 1 layer of
enlarged, thin-walled cells. Stem leaves triangular-lingulate to lingulate;
0.8--1.2 mm; apex rounded and sometimes erose; hyaline cells non-septate or
sometimes septate, usually fibrillose in distal 1/2 of leaf, convex surface
with very small pores (ca. 2 \um) along commisures and free, concave surface
with fewer commissural pores. Branches turgid and often strongly
curved. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and 2 pendent branches. Branch
leaves ovate-lanceolate; 1.4 or more mm; mostly subsecund; hyaline cells
on convex surface with numerous small (2 \um or more) pores along the
commissures and sometimes free, concave surface with no pores or fewer small
pores along the commissures. Sexual condition not known. Capsule
not seen. Spores not seen. For ecology, see discussion of S.
orientale; N.W.T.**c**;
Alaska**nAI**; Asia. Sporophytes of Sphagnum
perfoliatum are apparently rare. Additonal
comments are with the discussion of 59. S.
orientale. 61. Sphagnum platyphyllum (Lindberg)
Warnstorf, Flora 67: 481. 1884 Sphagnum laricinum
var. platyphyllum Lindberg,
Not. Sällsk. Faun. Fl. Fenn. Förh. 13: 403.
1874; S. contortum var. platyphyllum (Lindberg) Åberg, S. grasslii
H. A. Crum; S. subsecundum var. platyphyllum
(Braithwaite) Cardot Plants small to moderate-sized, unbranched or
sparsely branched; green, golden-brown to brown, capitulum small with a large
and conspicuous terminal bud. Stems green to brown; superficial
cortex of 2--3 layers of enlarged, thin-walled cells. Stem
leaves broadly ovate, 1.2--2.2 mm; straight; apex rounded; hyaline cells
non-septate, convex surface with numerous small pores (less than or equal to
1/6 cell diameter) forming a continuous row along the commissures, concave
surface aporose or with a few scattered pores along the commissures and cell
ends. Branches short and blunt, sometimes lacking completely and plants
simplex. Branch fascicles of 1--3 branches, 1--2 of these spreading,
branches usually not numerous. Branch leaves broadly ovate,
1.4--2.5(--3) mm; straight; apex rounded; hyaline cells as in stem leaf. Sexual
condition dioicous. Capsule exserted, with few pseudostomata. Spores 23--35 μm; papillose on both
surfaces, with indistinct Y-mark sculpture on distal surface; proximal
laesura 0.5 spore radius or less. Capsules mature late spring to early summer. Typically growing in minerotrophic habitats
such as shores of lakes, ponds, streams, flarks of string mires, margins of
open fens, especially seasonally flooded sites; Greenland **s**; Alta.**n**,
B.C.**c**, Man.**n**, N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), Ont.**c**, Que.**c**,
Yukon,**s**; Alaska**c**, Ariz., Calif., Colo., Conn., Ind., Maine, Mass.,
Mich., Minn., Mont., N.H., N.J., N.Y., Ohio, Oreg., Vt., Wis., Wyo.; South
America; Eurasia. Sporophytes are uncommon in Sphagnum
platyphyllum, which can be quite
variable in size and the development of branch fascicles, with some forms even
being simplex while other forms may have up to three branches per fascicle. The species can usually be recognized by the
large stem leaves that are spreading and easily visible because of the
scarcity of hanging branches. It
should also be noted that in this species and S. contortum the 2--3
layered stem cortex is not an entirely consistent trait, as plants quite
typical in all other respects are occasionally found with the cortex only
1-layered, at least in part. 62. Sphagnum pylaesii Bridel,
Bryol. Univ. 1: 749. 1827 Hemitheca pylaiei
Bridel; Sphagnum pylaesii var. austinii (Husnot) Warnstorf; S.
pylaesii var. prostratum (Bridel) Cardot; S.
pylaesii var. ramosum Warnstorf; S. sedoides Bridel; S. sedoides var. austinii Husnot; S. sedoides var. prostratum Bridel Plants slender and delicate, aquatic or
prostrate, with a conspicuous terminal bud; dark greenish to purplish brown
in submerged plants to deep salmon-red in prostrate plants, capitulum quite
indistinct but with distinct terminal bud. Stems
pale green to brown; superficial cortex of 1--2 layers of thin-walled
enlarged cells. Stem leaves broadly ovate, 1.5--2(2.5) mm; straight; hyaline
cells fibrillose and nearly aporose, with single small pores occasionally
found in the distal cell ends on the concave surface. Branches
lacking or short and slender. Branch fascicles none or 1 spreading
branch. Branch leaves when present similar to stem leaves but smaller,
0.8--1.2 mm, hyaline cells fibrillose and mostly aporose, 1--6 irregularly
round-shaped membrane gaps in some cells near apex on convex surface. Sexual
condition dioicous. Capsule usually immersed in
perichaetiale leaves, but may be slightly emergent, pseudostomata absent from
capsule surface. Spores 29--41 \um, coarsely papillose on both surfaces,
indistinct raised sculpture on distal surface; proximal laesura less than 0.5
spore radius. Weakly minerotrophic, wet rocks, poor fens; Greenland**s**; Nfld. and
Labr. (Nfld.), N.S., Que.**s**; Maine, Mass., N.H., N.J., N.Y. , N.C.;
Europe. Sporophytes rare in Sphagnum
pylaesii. This species is distributed as a pioneer
on wet rocks associated with S. tenellum, and S. papillosum, or in poor
fens with S. pulchrum, S. majus, and S. papillosum. See also discussion of 53. S. cyclophyllum. 63. Sphagnum subsecundum Nees, Deuts. Fl. Crypt. 2(17): species
3. 1819 Sphagnum crispum
R. E. Andrus Plants small, slender, often wiry; green,
yellow-brown or golden-brown; capitulum small with terminal bud absent. Stems
light brown to dark brown; superficial cortex of1 layer of enlarged thin-walled
cells. Stem leaves triangular-lingulate, 0.8 mm or less; apex entire or
weakly denticulate, hyaline cells sometimes septate, efibrillose and aporose
except near apex. Branches often short and blunt. Branch
fascicles with 2--3 spreading and 2--3 pendent branches Branch
leaves broadly ovate, subsecund, hyaline cells on convex surface with
very numerous small pores (18--40 per cell) in a continuous row along the
commissures, concave surface usually aporose. Sexual
condition dioicous. Capsule exserted, with few
pseudostomata. Spores 30--35 \um; finely papillose on both surfaces, distinct
bifurcated Y-mark sculpture on distal surface; proximal laesurae more than
0.5 spore radius. Minerotrophic, near the edges of open, poor fens, less commonly found
in open medium fens; Greenland**c**; Alta,**c** B.C.**c**, Man.**c**, N.B., Nfld.
and Labr. (Nfld.), N.W.T.**c**, N.S., Ont.**c**, Que.**c**, Yukon,**c**;
Alaska**c,AI,PH**, Calif., Colo., Conn., Idaho, Ill., Ind., Maine, Mass.,
Mich., Minn., Mont., N.H., N.J., N.Y., Ohio, Oreg., Pa., R.I., Vt., Wash.,
Wis., Wyo.; Eurasia. Sporophytes are rare in Sphagnum
subsecundum. This species is often associated with S. angustifolium,
S. centrale, S. fimbriatum, S. flexuosum,
S. palustre, and S. teres. The most widespread and common of the sect. Subsecunda, this species also exhibits
considerable phenotypic plasticity in size. However, the stem leaves are always quite
small in comparison to those of similar species. See also discussions of S. contortum, S. inundatum
and S. subobesum. 1h. Sphagnum sect. Polyclada
(C. E. O. Jensen) Horrell, J. Bot.
38: 119. 1900 Sphagnum [unranked] Polyclada Jensen, Festskr. Bot. Foren Kjøbenhavn 82. 1890; S. [unranked]. Pycnoclada (Russow) H. Klinggräff Plants small to moderate-sized, with distinct
capitulum; green, brown or variegated brown and red. Stems
green to red-brown, superficial cortex of 2--4 layers of efibrillose,
non-ornamented, enlarged, short-rectangular cells. Stem leaves
smaller than branch leaves, triangular-lingulate, with rounded apex, border
entire; hyaline cells efibrillose, non-ornamented, rhomboid, septate;
resorbed on convex surface; concave surface intact except near apex. Branches
dimorphic, spreading branches stiff; pendent branches slender and delicate. Branch
fascicles with 3(--8) spreading and 3(--8) pendent branches. Branch
stems with distinct solitary retort cells, necks not or slightly
rostrate. Branch leaves ovate-lanceolate, apex involute, border entire;
hyaline cells fibrillose and non-ornamented, convex surface with 4--6 small
ringed ovate pores (approximately 1/4 the diameter of the cell), concave
surface with 0--4 unringed pores per cell; chlorophyllous cells elliptic to
truncate-elliptic in transverse section, qually exposed on both surfaces. Sexual
condition monoicous or dioicous. Capsule with few pseudostomata. Spores
15--24 \um; finely papillose on both surfaces; proximal laesura less than 0.5
the length of the spore. Species 1 : North America, Eurasia.
64. Sphagnum wulfianum Girgensohn, Arch. Nat. Dorpat II, 2:
173. 1860 Branch leaves with chlorophyllous cells often with faint
papillae on interior walls. Coniferous forests, and occasionally in Alnus or Salix karrs; Greenland**c**;
Alta.**c**, B.C.**s**, Man.**s**, N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S.,
Ont.**s**, Que.**s**; Conn., Ill., Ind., Maine, Mass., Mich., Minn., N.H.,
N.Y., Ohio, Pa., R.I., Vt., Wis.; Eurasia. The sporophytes of Sphagnum
wulfianum are moderately common. This
is the most dry-growing species in North America, typically growing in
association with Sphagnum centrale, S. girgensohnii, S. russowii,
and S. squarrosum. It is easily
recognized as the only species that regularly has more than six branches per
fascicle. The Lycopodium clavatum-like
growth habit and conifer swamp habitat along with the strongly 5-ranked branch
leaves make it even easier to recognize in the field. 1i. Sphagnum
sect. Acutifolia
Wilson, Bryol. Brit. 20. 1855 Sphagnum sect. Acisphagnum A. L. Andrews; S.
sect. Acuta Lesquereux &
James; S. sect. Fimbriata Szafran; S. sect. Litophloea Russow; S.
sect. Longifolia Szafran; S. sect. Mollia Schimper; S. sect.
Pyncnosphagnum J. K. A. Müller; S. sect. Truncata Husnot Plants small to moderate-sized, rarely robust,
with distinct capitulum; green, brown, pink, red. Stems
green, red or brown, superficial cortex of 2--4 layers of efibrillose,
non-ornamented, inflated, thin-walled cells, mostly aporose, but may be
porose in some species. Stem leaves similar in size to branch
leaves; varying from triangular to lingulate-spatulate; apex varying from
acute and entire to very broad and lacerate; border entire or, in one case,
fimbriate; hyaline cells rhomboid to S-shaped, non-ornamented, efibrillose or
fibrillose, aporose or in hemiisophyllous forms porose, 0--2 septate, mostly
resorbed on interior surface and mostly entire on exterior surface. Branches
dimorphic, spreading branches usually longer and thicker than pendent
branches. Branch fascicles with 2(--3) spreading and 1--2 pendent branches.
Branch
stems green, surrounded by 1 layer of efibrillose, non-ornamented, inflated,
thin-walled hyaline cells, some solitary or in groups of uniporose retort
cells, with more or less conspicuous necks. Branch
leaves ovate to ovate-lanceolate, margins entire or, in one case,
toothed, involute near smooth apex; hyaline cells efibrillose, non-ornamented,
with round to elliptic pores along commissures on convex surface, fewer,
larger and round mostly free pores on concave surface; chlorophyllous cells
triangular to trapezoidal in transverse section, more broadly exposed on
concave surface, end walls not thickened. Sexual
condition usually dioicous, occasionally monoicous. Capsule
equal to or less than 2 mm, with few to many pseudostomata. Spores
typically less than 30 \um, coarsely to finely papillose on both surfaces,
may have raised surface sculpture on distal surface; proximal laesura
typically less than or equal to 0.5 spore radius. Species 60 (25 in the flora): worldwide
in distribution excepting Antarctica. 1. Branch leaves with
denticulate margin along a resorption furrow.............. 77.
Sphagnum
molle 1. Branch leaf margins plain
and bordered without a resorption furrow. 2. Stem leaves with broad
lacerate to fimbriate apex. 3. Stem leaves with broad,
lacerate apex equal to or less than one half the width of the leaf. 4. Plants red-pigmented. 5. Branch leaves ovate and
deeply concave, stem cortex aporose.............. 65.
Sphagnum
andersonianum (in part) 5. Branch leaves ovate-lanceolate
and only slightly concave, stem cortex usually porose 81. Sphagnum russowii (in part) 4. Plants brown-pigmented,
branch leaves ovate-lanceolate and relatively shallow or moderately concave. 6. Branch leaves greater than
1.4 mm 67. Sphagnum arcticum (in part) 6. Branch leaves less than 1.4
mm 74. Sphagnum
fuscum (in part) 3. Stem leaves with broad
lacerate apex greater or equal to one half the width of the leaf. 7. Stem leaves spatulate,
fimbriate to lacerate across broad apex and along the margins for one-half or
more the length; plants slender with conspicuous terminal bud and frequently
with numerous sporophytes..... 72.
Sphagnum
fimbriatum (in part) 7. Stem leaves lingulate,
fimbriate across the apex; plants small to moderate-sized and rigid, terminal
bud if present not conspicuous, sporophytes may or may not be present 8. Branch fascicles of three
spreading and one to two pendent branches; plants green to variegated green
and red or red-brown, sporophytes usually present 80. Sphagnum rubiginosum 8. Branch fascicles of two
spreading and one to two pendent branches; plants green or variegated green
and brown or golden brown, sporophytes usually not present. 9. Surface cells of the stem
predominately aporose, but some cells with one elliptical pore at distal cell
end; branch leaves longer than 1.4 mm; stem leaves usually longer than 1.2
mm; plants typically brown to dark brown...................... 67.
Sphagnum
arcticum(in part) 9. Surface cells of the stem
usually porose with a single elliptical pore in distal portion of cell, but
usually free from the cell end wall; branch leaves shorter than 1.4 mm; most
stem leaves shorter than 1.2 mm; plants green to brown. 10. Stem leaf hyaline cells
frequently septate, strongly so along margins in upper half............. 72. Sphagnum
fimbriatum (in part) 10. Stem leaves only
occasionally septate................. 75.
Sphagnum
girgensohnii 2. Stem leaves with acute,
slightly toothed, notched, erose, or rounded apex. 11. Plants brown colored; stem
brown in green forms. 12. Plants lacking conspicuous
metallic sheen when dry. 13. Stem leaves lingulate;
branch leaves equal to or less than 1.3 mm; plants small............... 74. Sphagnum
fuscum (in part) 13. Stem leaves lingulate-
triangular, broadly ovate-triangular to sublingulate; branch leaves greater
than 1.3 mm, plants moderate in size. 14. Stem
leaves broadly oblong-ovate to sublingulate, 1.2--1.8 mm, apex broadly acute
to narrowly truncate and toothed; branch leaves loosely arranged and spreading,
abruptly involute-acuminate in distal third of leaf from ovate to elliptic
base, 1.3--2 mm; retort cells with very short or no noticeable neck; one
known locality, in B.C.............. 76.
Sphagnum
junghuhnianum 14. Stem leaves
lingulate-triangular, 1.5--2 mm, apex right angled to apiculate, retort cells
with conspicuous neck; northeastern North American coastal regions south to
Delaware........................ 73.
Sphagnum
flavicomans 12. Plants with metallic sheen
when dry. 15. Branch leaves 5-ranked; stem
leaves with rounded apices frequently fimbriate, plants very dark brown. 16. Plants with purplish tinge;
stem leaves lingulate, hyaline cells in middle of leaf 0--1 septate........ 69. Sphagnum
beothuk 16. Plants with deep red tinge;
stem leaves triangular-lingulate, hyaline cells in middle of leaf 1--2
septate 15. Stem leaves unranked, with
hyaline cells rarely more than once septate and apices rarely fimbriate. 17. Stem leaves
lingulate-triangular to lingulate, 1--1.5 mm, apex broadly rounded to
obtusely angled, and sometimes apiculate, border strongly broadened at base;
branch leaves 1.2--1.7 mm, ovate-lanceolate and short-pointed; plants yellowish
brown to dark brown......... 83. Sphagnum
subfulvum 17. Stem leaves
oblong-triangular, 1.3--1.7 mm, apex broadly acute and usually narrowed to a
concave cuspidate point, border slightly broadened at based; branch leaves
1.5--2 mm, narrow-lanceolate, apex recurved when dry; plants yellow- brown
and tinged with pink to purplish red.. 84.
Sphagnum
subnitens (in part) |