Arctic Sphagnum
Sphagnum arcticum
- Native to:
- United States
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Bryophyta | - Mosses
- Family:
- Sphagnaceae
- Genus:
- Sphagnum
- Species:
- Sphagnum arcticum
- USDA Symbol:
- SPAR6
Growth Characteristics
- Growth Habit:
- Nonvascular
- Height:
- 15 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- small mammals, amphibians
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Notes:
- Sphagnum mosses are highly vulnerable to fire due to their waterlogged habitat; dried peat can burn in severe conditions but the moss itself does not benefit from fire.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- peaty, nutrient-poor, waterlogged soil
- pH:
- 3.5 - 5.5 (strongly acidic)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in arctic and subarctic peat bogs