Taxonomy

Division:

Bryophyta | - Mosses

Family:

Sphagnaceae

Genus:

Sphagnum

Species:

Sphagnum capillifolium

USDA Symbol:

SPCA70

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:

Nonvascular

Height:

20 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Ground Cover:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

amphibians, invertebrates

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fall Color:

red, orange

Fire Notes:

Sphagnum bogs are typically fire-resistant due to high water saturation; fire rarely reaches peat moss layers.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

acidic, nutrient-poor, peat soil

pH:

3.0 - 5.0 (strongly acidic)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

commonly found in bogs and wetlands