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