BRI Field Guide Mosses Liverworts Alberta Peatlands

A Guide to Mosses
and Liverworts of
Alberta Peatlands
2nd version, September 2017
Dale H. Vitt (text)

Department of Plant Biology, Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
Michael Lüth (photographs)

Büro für Umweltplanung
Emmendinger Str. 32, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
Publisher: NAIT Boreal Research Institute
Editors: Jeannine Goehing, Bin Xu
Design and Layout: NAIT Marketing and Communications
Information in this publication originally published in ‘A Key and Review of Bryophytes

Common in North American Peatlands’, Evansia 31(4):121-156, 2014, doi: http://dx.doi.
org/10.1639/079.031.0402, which holds the copyright.
Copyright for photographs held by Michael Lüth. Some of the photos are cropped from the original.
Information in this publication may be reproduced for personal or public non-commercial
purposes. You are asked to indicate the complete title of the material reproduced, and the name of
the authors and publisher.
Commercial reproduction and distribution is prohibited.
Title image: Copyright Dr. Bin Xu, Boreal Research Institute
Questions or comments: Jeannine Goehing, Boreal Research Institute, jeannineg@nait.ca
ii A GUIDE TO MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS OF ALBERTA PEATLANDS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 3
SPECIES OF BOGS
Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) Schimp. 4
Mylia anomala (Hook.) S.Gray 6
Sphagnum balticum (Russ.) C.Jens. 8
Sphagnum capillifolium (Ehrh.) Hedw. 10
Sphagnum fuscum (Schimp.) Klinggr. 12
Warnstorfia fluitans (Hedw.) Loeske 14
SPECIES OF BOGS AND POOR FENS

Calypogeia sphagnicola (H.Arnell et J.Perss.) Warnst. et Loeske 16
Fuscocephaloziopsis (Cephalozia) connivens (Dicks.) Váňa et Söderstr. 18
Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt. 20
Pohlia nutans (Hedw.) Lindb. 22
Polytrichum strictum Brid. 24
Sphagnum angustifolium (Russ.) C.Jens. 26
Sphagnum lindbergii Lindb. 28
Sphagnum magellanicum Brid. 30
Sphagnum riparium Ångstr. 32
Straminergon (Calliergon) stramineum (Brid.) Hedenäs 34
Warnstorfia exannulata (Schimp.) Loeske 36
SPECIES OF BOGS, POOR FENS, AND RICH FENS

Aulacomnium palustre (Hedw.) Schwaegr. 38
Dicranum undulatum Brid. 40
SPECIES OF POOR FENS

Sphagnum fallax (Klinggr.) Klinggr. 42
Sphagnum jensenii H.Lindb. 44
Sphagnum majus (Russ.) C.Jens. 46
Sphagnum russowii Warnst. 48
Tomentypnum falcifolium (Nichols.) Tuom. 50
SPECIES OF POOR FENS AND RICH FENS

Sphagnum subsecundum Sturm 52
BOREAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SPECIES OF RICH FENS

Aneura pinguis (L.) Dum. 54
Brachythecium acutum (Mitt.) Sull. 56
Brachythecium turgidum (Hartm.) Kindb. 58
Calliergon giganteum (Schimp.) Kindb. 60
Calliergon richardsonii (Mitt.) Kindb. 62
Calliergonella cuspidata (Hedw.) Loeske 64
Campylium stellatum (Hedw.) C.Jens. 66
Catoscopium nigritum (Hedw.) Brid. 68
Drepanocladus aduncus (Hedw.) Warnst. 70
Drepanocladus (Campylium) polygamus (Schimp.) Hedenäs 72
Drepanocladus sordidus (C.Muell.) Hedenäs 74
Hamatocaulis vernicosus (Mitt.) Hedenäs 76
Helodium blandowii (F.Weber et D.Mohr) Warnst. 78
Hypnum lindbergii Mitt. 80
Hypnum pratense (Rabenh.) Spruce 82
Meesia triquetra (Richt.) Ångstr. 84
Meesia uliginosa Hedw. 86
Mesoptychia (Lophozia) rutheana (Limpr.) L.Söderst. et Váňa 88
Paludella squarrosa (Hedw.) Brid. 90
Plagiomnium ellipticum (Brid.) T.Kop. 92
Pseudobryum cinclidioides (Hueb.) T.Kop. 94
Pseudocalliergon (Calliergon) trifarium (F.Weber et D.Mohr) Loeske 96
Ptychostomum (Bryum) pseudotriquetrum (Hedw.) D.T.Holyoak et N.Pedersen 98
Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske 100
Sarmenthypnum (Warnstorfia) tundrae (Arn.) Hedenäs 102
Scapania paludicola Loeske et K.Muell. 104
Scorpidium cossonii (Schimp.) Hedenäs 106
Scorpidium revolvens (Sw.) Rubers 108
Scorpidium scorpioides (Hedw.) Limpr. 110
Sphagnum contortum Schultz 112
Sphagnum fimbriatum Wils. 114
Sphagnum obtusum Warnst. 116
Sphagnum teres (Schimp.) C.Hartm. 118
Sphagnum warnstorfii Russ. 120
Tomentypnum nitens (Hedw.) Loeske 122
KEY TO SPECIES 124

LITERATURE CITED 128
INDEX 129
.
2 A GUIDE TO MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS OF ALBERTA PEATLANDS

INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Bryophytes are important components of boreal peatland ecosystems. They
serve a number of key ecosystem services and are critical indicators of
ecosystem health. Also, individual species have habitats limited by important
chemical and hydrological gradients and hence bryophytes can serve as
indicators of various peatland site-types such as bogs, poor fens, and rich fens.
This guide treats 60 species of mosses and liverworts that comprise the
flora of bogs and fens of Alberta (and western boreal Canada). The guide
is designed to be used both in the field and in the laboratory. Photos were
chosen to show the species as they occur in the field, accompanied by
ecological and taxonomic comments useful for field recognition. For many
characters a 10 or 14x handlens is required. Species are organized by the
peatland site-type in which they are most common, but further information
is shown on the ecological and phytogeographical diagrams that accompany
each species. Ecological site-types include both permafrost dominated ‘peat
plateaus’ and ‘continental bogs’ (without continuous permafrost). Fens,
dominated by Sphagnum, are acid and here called poor fens. We use classical
terminology for true moss-dominated rich fens and recognize two types - Fens
with circumneutrral pH are equivalent to moderate-rich fens and alkaline fens
with high alkalinity and high pH are equivalent to extreme-rich fens.
The text is derived from an article published in Evansia in 2014 by the first
author (Vitt 2014) and used with permission of the editor, Scott LeGreca.
The photographs are almost all taken by Michael Lüth and are copyrighted
by him. Additional photographic details for most species can be found at
‘Bildatlas der Moose Deutschlands’. Nomenclature follows Bryophyte Flora
of North America for mosses (BFNA 2007, 2014) and Stotler and Crandall-
Stotler (2017) for liverworts.

SPECIES OF BOGS
Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.)

Schimp.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PEAT BOG POOR MRF ERF
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

HYLOCOMIUM SPLENDENS (HEDW.) SCHIMP.
KEY FEATURES
The bipinnate branching, presence of paraphyllia, and distinctive frondose
growth form are characters of this species (however, arctic-alpine forms
may lack the frondose growth form). Microscopically, the broadly acuminate
leaves, short and double costa, and prorulose leaf cells are key features.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants complex, forming bipinnately branched wefts. Stems form annual
increments visible as annual fronds having a stair-step arrangement, paraphyllia
abundant. Leaves stem leaves different from branch leaves, branch leaves with
a short and double costa, ovate, abruptly acuminate often with tiny apiculus.
Leaf Cells oblong to elongate, with small apical papillae on convex surface
(prorulose). Alar Cells shorter and thicker-walled than upper cells.
HABITAT
Very abundant in upland coniferous boreal forests; occasionally found in dry
peatlands, especially in peat plateaus and dry bogs where it occupies the
highest and driest hummocks.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
In dry oligotrophic peatlands associated with Pleurozium schreberi and
hummock-forming Sphagna, especially S. fuscum. In mesic situations, Ptilium
crista-castrensis (see below) may occur. This species is easily told by its
densely pinnate stems with non-costate, falcate-secund, plicate leaves.
Ptilium crista-castrensis (Hedw.) DeNot.

SPECIES OF BOGS
Mylia anomala (Hook.) S.Gray
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

MYLIA ANOMALA (HOOK.) S.GRAY
KEY FEATURES
This is the largest and most common species of liverwort in peatlands. In the
field the conspicuous yellow gemmae, relatively large plants, and succubous
entire leaves (see inset) are characteristic. Odontoschisma sphagni also has
round, entire leaves. It is oceanic in bog pools and has a strong leaf border and
obvious stolons. Other liverworts in peatlands have incubous leaves or leaves
that are bilobed. The thalloid hepatic, Marchantia polymorpha occasionally
occurs in disturbed fens, especially after fire.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants prostrate with ascending stem tips, mostly unbranched (to 1-2 times
branched), medium-sized. Stems rather turgid, with sporadic hyaline rhizoids.
Leaves succubous, circular to oblong-ovate, rounded, usually with very
conspicuous yellow gemmae produced at upper margins, concave. Leaf Cells
rounded to stellate due to thickened corners (trigones), similar throughout.
HABITAT
Growing intermixed and sometimes covering Sphagnum fuscum, rarely
intermixed with other Sphagna.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Sometimes with the mosses Polytrichum strictum and Pohlia nutans. Also
occurring with less common leafy hepatics on Sphagnum hummocks, including
species of Calypogeia (incubous leaves) Fuscocephaloziopsis (bifid leaves on
tiny plants), and Lophozia (sensu lato; large plants with bifid leaves).

SPECIES OF BOGS
Sphagnum balticum (Russ.) C.Jens.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SPHAGNUM BALTICUM (RUSS.) C.JENS.
KEY FEATURES
This species resembles S. angustifolium, but is differentiated by larger, blunt,
rounded, oblong, and more abundant stem leaves; also the spaces between
capitulum arms have only one pendent branch evident. Microscopically, I find
few differences between this species and S. angustifolium – perhaps the apical
pore is better defined in the latter species, but I am not convinced these two
species can be identified by branch leaf features.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants forming loose mounds, soft, yellow-brown, with one pendent branch
visible between capitulum arms and no evident apical bud. Stems clear, with
hyalodermis not well differentiated. Leaves ovate-lanceolate and narrowed
to narrowly truncate apex, often undulate in capitulum; stem leaves relatively
large, shortly oblong to triangular-oblong, blunt and concave – appearing
triangular, usually numerous and bent downward along stem, with fibrillose,
hyaline cells having partially resorbed pores in upper portion. Leaf Cells
hyaline cells of convex surface of branch leaves with large apical pore and
variable number of pores in cell corners, sometimes a few pores along cell
edges, on concave surface with a few indistinct, unringed pores in cell corners,
green cells triangular, and not reaching the concave surface, exposed only on
convex surface.
HABITAT
In northern North America this species is infrequent on hummocks on peat
plateaus and rare southward, where it occurs intermixed with S. fuscum
and S. magellanicum, and occurring in drier habitats than S. angustifolium;
however, in Eurasia it also occurs in lawns in unfrozen peatlands.

SPECIES OF BOGS
Sphagnum capillifolium (Ehrh.) Hedw.
Photo: Jeremy Hartsock, Southern Illinois

University Photo: Dale H. Vitt, Southern Illinois University
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SPHAGNUM CAPILLIFOLIUM (EHRH.) HEDW.
KEY FEATURES
Sphagnum capillifolium (= S. nemoreum Scop.) forms high, pinkish-red
hummocks in oligotrophic habitats. The dense, rounded capitula and ovate-
lanceolate stem leaves with some pores and fibrils identifies this species.
Branch leaf features cannot be used to differentiate this species from S.
fuscum, but S. capillifolium has clear (pinkish) stems compared to dark brown
in S. fuscum.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants small, green to pinkish-red plants with dense canopies, one pendent
branch visible between capitulum arms; individual capitula hemispheric. Stems
clear, with non-porose hyalodermis. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, minutely truncate
at apex; stem leaves broadly lanceolate, with at least some fibrils and pores.
Leaf Cells hyaline cells with large elliptic pores along sides of the cell on convex
surface, somewhat smaller, less conspicuous rounded pores in central part of
cell on concave surface; green cells triangular, exposed on concave surface.
HABITAT
Forms hummocks in bogs and peat plateaus; rarely as isolated patches in both
rich and poor fens. More abundant in eastern North America.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Usually few species occur intermixed with this species, but like S. fuscum
occasionally mixed with Polytrichum strictum; while Pohlia nutans and Mylia
anomala occur as scattered individuals.

SPECIES OF BOGS
Sphagnum fuscum (Schimp.) Klinggr.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SPHAGNUM FUSCUM (SCHIMP.) KLINGGR.
KEY FEATURES
Key features for the identification of S. fuscum include the lingulate, entire
stem leaves, brown colour, and the dark (brown) stems. The branch leaves
with large elliptic pores that are arranged along the sides of the cells on the
convex surface is a pore pattern similar to that in S. capillifolium as well as a
number of more woodland species (e.g., S. girgensohnii); however, the brown
stems are a key feature of S. fuscum that are not found in any other Sphagnum
in the section Acutifolium. See S. angustifolium for additional comments.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants small, brownish with dense canopies, one pendent branch visible
between capitulum arms. Stems brown, with non-porose hyalodermis. Leaves
ovate-lanceolate, minutely truncate at apex; stem leaves lingulate, without fibrils
and pores. Leaf Cells with large elliptic pores along sides of cells on convex
surface, somewhat smaller, less conspicuous, rounded pores in central part of
cell on concave surface; green cells triangular, exposed on concave surface.
HABITAT
Forming hummocks in bogs and peat plateaus; occasionally on isolated
hummocks in both rich and poor fens.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Usually associated with Polytrichum strictum, Pohlia nutans, and Mylia anomala.

SPECIES OF BOGS
Warnstorfia fluitans (Hedw.) Loeske
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

WARNSTORFIA FLUITANS (HEDW.) LOESKE
KEY FEATURES
Differentiated from other species with costate, falcate-secund leaves by
denticulate margins (best seen just below the apex), gradually differentiated
alar cells that do not form conspicuous inflated groups, and a stem transverse
section with a central strand. Drepanocladus aduncus has completely entire
leaf margins; Warnstorfia exannulata has abruptly differentiated and inflated
alar cells and a much stronger costa; while species of Hamatocaulis have no
central strand in the stem. Species of Scorpidium have shorter leaves and a
hyalodermis of enlarged cells. Also see comments under W. exannulata.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants floating to emergent, rather slender, green. Stems generally with few
branches, occasionally with numerous branches, with central strand and no
differentiated hyalodermis. Leaves narrowly lanceolate, gradually acuminate,
falcate-secund; costa single, weak, ending about 1/2 to 2/3 up leaf, somewhat
narrowed to insertion; margins denticulate in upper portion of leaves. Leaf
Cells elongate-linear, with blunt ends, smooth. Alar Cells indistinct, gradually
enlarged and forming small groups of hyaline, rectangular cells at leaf angles.
HABITAT
Found floating in shallow pools to emergent, and forming carpets in shallow
water in oligotrophic habitats, and characteristic of bogs and extreme poor fens.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
In oceanic areas found with wet-growing species of Sphagnum, especially S.
cuspidatum, while in continental areas associated with permafrost melt often
found with S. majus and S. jensenii.

Calypogeia sphagnicola (H.Arnell et

J.Perss.) Warnst. et Loeske
Photo: Jan-Peter Frahm, Moose Deutschland
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

CALYPOGEIA SPHAGNICOLA (H.ARNELL ET J.PERSS.) WARNST. ET LOESKE
KEY FEATURES
This small liverwort has incubous upper leaves along with bilobed
underleaves. The upper leaves also have small apical notches in at
least some leaves. The occurrence of individual stems within Sphagnum
hummocks is shared with C. suecica - these two species differ in size of
the leaf cells (25-30 µm in suecica and 30-35 µm in sphagnicola). All other
Calypogeia species are rare in this habitat.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants slender, threadlike among Sphagnum plants. Leaves incubous, small
and distant along stem, ovate, obtuse to notched, underleaves relatively large,
bilobed, some with 1-2 obtuse, lateral teeth. Leaf Cells rounded, 30-35 µm across.
HABITAT
Occurring on bog hummocks among Sphagnum stems, often not evident on
the capitulum surface. More common in disturbed situations and occurring
with Cephalozia spp.

Fuscocephaloziopsis (Cephalozia)
connivens (Dicks.) Váňa et Söderstr.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

FUSCOCEPHALOZIOPSIS (CEPHALOZIA) CONNIVENS (DICKS.) VÁŇA ET SÖDERSTR.
KEY FEATURES
This species and other boreal ones in the genus Cephalozia have recently
been placed in a new genus – Fuscocephaloziopsis. The tiny, threadlike plants
with sharply pointed, bilobed, obliquely succubous leaves are common on
Sphagnum hummocks. This species, with relatively large leaf cells (45-60 µm
across) and leaves with few cells (leaves 7-12 cells across), is frequent across
the boreal. Although there are several other species of the genus that occur in
this habitat, only F. lunulifolia is frequent. It differs by having leaf cells only 25-
35 µm across. Cladopodiella fluitans and Gymnocolea inflata both occur in bog
and poor fen pools – both of these species have blunt leaf lobes.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants threadlike, occurring singly among Sphagnum stems. Leaves round,
bilobed to about half way, lobes incurved, tips often touching, sharply pointed,
underleaves lacking. Leaf Cells 45-60 µm across.
HABITAT
Scattered among Sphagnum stems in bog hummocks, more common in
disturbed situations.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Are Calypogeia species, sometimes among Mylia anomala stems.

Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PLEUROZIUM SCHREBERI (BRID.) MITT.
KEY FEATURES
The pinnately branched, red stems without paraphyllia are characteristic. The
leaves are relatively large, with a very short and double costa (or lacking),
and well-differentiated alar cells. The very concave leaves with recurved leaf
apices are useful characteristics. Hylocomium splendens has more acutely
pointed leaves, is bipinnately branched, and has stems with paraphyllia.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants robust, coarse, sparsely to regularly pinnately branched, erect. Stems
red, without hyalodermis or paraphyllia. Leaves ovate-oblong, with tiny, often
recurved acute tip, concave; costa lacking; entire. Leaf Cells elongate-linear,
smooth. Alar Cells composing a group of coloured, quadrate-rectangular,
thick-walled cells forming a distinct angular group.
HABITAT
Growing on hummocks of oligotrophic peatlands and dominating acidic,
nutrient poor upland boreal forests, less common coastward, rare in tundra.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Associated with Hylocomium splendens and Ptilium crista-castrensis in the
continental boreal upland coniferous forest, and with species of Rhytidiadelphus
in more mesic localities. Common in peat plateaus and continental bogs (or on
hummocks in poor fens) in association with Sphagnum fuscum.

Pohlia nutans (Hedw.) Lindb.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

POHLIA NUTANS (HEDW.) LINDB.
KEY FEATURES
The very slender, unbranched stems; lanceolate leaves with serrulate margins;
and rhombic cells are distinguishing features of this species. In rich fens,
Bryum pseudotriquetrum is common – it is distinguished by decurrent leaves
that are entire and bordered by elongate cells, and by shorter long-hexagonal
leaf cells. The decurrencies easily differentiate this species from Pohlia nutans.
Pohlia wahlenbergii is frequent in calcareous seeps, it is reddish in colour, and
has long-decurrent leaves; P. cruda is very shiny and golden-green in colour
with thin-walled leaf cells – it occurs on peaty calcareous ledges.
The photo is of Pohlia sphagnicola. Some authors treat P. sphagnicola as a
species distinct from P. nutans based on its habitat, sexual condition, and spore
size, however we follow BFNA and consider both of these morphotypes under
the name P. nutans.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants slender, yellow- to light-green, unbranched, occurring intermingled with
other mosses. Stems reddish, naked, shiny. Leaves lanceolate, acute, erect wet
or dry; costa single, ending just beneath apex; margins distinctly serrulate in
upper part of leaf. Leaf Cells long rectangular to long rhombic, rather thick-
walled, smooth. Alar Cells not differentiated, leaves not decurrent.
HABITAT
Occurring on rotting wood, this is one of the most common species of upland
boreal forest habitats. It is also commonly intermingled with Sphagnum (and
sometimes called P. sphagnicola) in oligotrophic peatlands.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Most commonly intermingled in Sphagnum fuscum along with Polytrichum
strictum and Mylia anomala.

Polytrichum strictum Brid.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

POLYTRICHUM STRICTUM BRID.
KEY FEATURES
This is the only common species of the Polytrichaceae that occurs in bogs and
poor fens. A less frequent species in swamps and paludified woodlands is P.
commune. It is larger, has recurved leaves when moist, no stem tomentum, and
the lamellae are not covered by the lamina. The apical cells of the lamellae are
u-shaped in transverse section. Polytichum juniperinum, a species of mineral
soils, is similar to P. strictum in leaf morphology, but lacks abundant whitish
stem tomentum. The complex leaf structure of lamellae and complex costa
along with hyaline leaf sheaths is unique to this group of mosses.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants erect, unbranched, with a bluish-green hue, occurring gregariously
or in loose mats. Stems covered with whitish tomentum of rhizoids. Leaves
erect when dry, spreading when moist, lanceolate from a hyaline, unistratose,
expanded, sheathing base, acuminate, ending in a short, reddish, toothed
awn; upper portion of leaves consisting of an expanded costa, from which
numerous, vertical, green, lamellae arise that are encased in the inflexed leaf
lamina. Leaf Cells has upper cells irregularly quadrate to isodiametric, smooth,
cells of sheath hyaline, long-rectangular, smooth. Apical cells of lamellae
rounded in transverse section of leaf, smooth. Alar Cells not differentiated.
HABITAT
This species occurs intermixed with Sphagnum on high hummocks in
oligotrophic habitats. The individual shoots are elevated 1 cm or so above
the Sphagnum canopy. Also this species is one of the first bryophyte species
to colonize disturbed bare peat surfaces, especially after fire where it forms
large continuous mats.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Most commonly associated with Sphagnum fuscum, but also with other
hummock-forming species of Sphagnum; hummocks may also contain Pohlia
nutans and Mylia anomala.

Sphagnum angustifolium (Russ.)

C.Jens.
Photo: Jeremy Hartsock, Southern Illinois University
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SPHAGNUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM (RUSS.) C.JENS.
KEY FEATURES
Stems without a hyalodermis, small triangular non-porose stem leaves, and
branch leaf hyaline cells having a prominent rounded apical pore, along with
green cells exposed on the convex surface are key features. Without stem
leaves, this species cannot be distinguished from S. fallax (which is rare in the
continental boreal region), nor S. balticum, which is northern in distribution.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants yellow-green, fluffy, with loose canopies, two pendent branches visible
between capitulum arms. Stems clear, without hyalodernis, non-porose.
Leaves ovate-lanceolate, minutely truncate at apex; stem leaves small,
triangular, blunt to slightly erose at apex, without pores and fibrils. Leaf Cells
with hyaline cells that have an apical rounded-elliptic pore at cell apex on
convex surface, occasionally a second pore just beneath; additional pores
restricted to hyaline cell corners, on concave surface and several rounded
rather inconspicuous pores in central part of cells; green cells triangular,
exposed on convex surface.
HABITAT
Perhaps the most common species across the continental boreal area, where
it forms loose lawns in poor fens and bogs. It is also sometimes abundant
in drier carpets in internal lawns and collapse scars. It is replaced in more
mesotrophic situations and in less continental areas by S. fallax. Wetter
oligotrophic carpets and pools have a number of other species including S.
jensenii, and S. majus; more mesotrophic carpets have S. riparium or S. obtusum.
Sphagnum balticum is more northern.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
In poor fens with S. magellanicum and occasionally associated with
Tomentypnum falcifolium; in fens transitional to rich fens, sometimes with
S. teres or S. warnstorfii.

Sphagnum lindbergii Lindb.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SPHAGNUM LINDBERGII LINDB.
KEY FEATURES
This beautiful species is easily differentiated by brownish plants that have
a dark brown stem core, a conspicuous apical bud, and stem leaves that
are fan-shaped and lacerate over the entire upper portion. This species is
relatively large in stature and occurs in carpets in very wet poor fens and bogs.
At least in North America, it is only abundant in the northern boreal zone
and along both coasts. In comparison, S. lenense that also has brown stems,
is much smaller (S. fuscum in size), has stem leaves that are fan-shaped and
lacerate but also have a broad resorbed tear that is evident in the upper half
of the leaves. It occurs on high hummocks in the subarctic and alpine zones.
From S. fuscum, which it superficially resembles, it is distinguished by having
a wonderful copper colouration, young pendent branches in pairs, and the
lacerate stem leaves (also it is a member of the section Cuspidatum with green
cells exposed on the convex surface).
IDENTIFICATION
Plants dark brown in firm carpets with conspicuous apical bud and shiny,
5-ranked leaves that are especially noticeable when wet, capitulum-
indentations with one visible pendent branch. Stems with dark brown core and
well-developed hyalodermis. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, narrowed to narrowly
truncate apex, stem leaves fan-shaped, coarsely lacerate across upper 1/2
of leaf, hyaline cells noticeably resorbed on upper part of leaf. Leaf Cells of
branch leaves with few small ringed pores in cell corners, concave surface
with few marginal unringed, indistinct pores, no medial pores on either surface
present, green cells triangular, exposed on convex surface, and extending to
concave surface.
HABITAT
Emergent from oligotrophic waters and forming wet carpets in poor fens and
bogs (in oceanic areas). Largely northern and coastal in distribution.

Sphagnum magellanicum Brid.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SPHAGNUM MAGELLANICUM BRID.
KEY FEATURES
The reddish, robust, and turgid plants are key features of S. magellanicum.
Characteristics include clear to pinkish stems with fibrose and porose cells
composing the hyalodermis, and very concave, entire branch leaves that
have numerous pores on relatively short hyaline cells and totally enclosed
green cells without wall ornamentation. Other robust and turgid species of
the section Sphagnum (all of these have hooded, entire branch leaves) are
S. palustre and S. henryense with smooth, triangular green cells; S. papillosum
with trapezoidal-triangular green cells with papillose adjacent walls; and S.
imbricatum and S. austinii with broadly triangular green cells and adjacent walls
with striations – none of these are reported from Alberta. Also, S. centrale,
a species of margonal habotats, has elliptic green cells with thickened walls
exposed on both leaf surfaces. Sphagnum magellanicum is the only northern
species with red colour in the section Sphagnum; however, it is sometimes
pure green under shaded conditions.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants large, turgid, reddish, forming dense canopies, 0-1 pendent branches
visible between capitulum arms. Stems pink to clear, with porose and
fibrose hyalodermis. Leaves ovate-elliptic, hooded, and entire at apex,
convex surface just below apex with denticulations due to resorption of
apical portions of hyaline cells; stem leaves lingulate, with hyaline cells not
divided and mostly without fibrils or pores, resorbed on convex surface.
Leaf Cells short, nearly plane or only slightly bulging on both surfaces, with
numerous elliptic pores on convex surface and inconspicuous rounded pores
on concave surface; green cells elliptic, completely enclosed by hyaline cells,
adjoining hyaline cells walls smooth.
HABITAT
Forming small hummocks or occurring on the sides of high hummocks in bogs,
sometimes on low hummocks and strings in poor fens.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Found in oligotrophic habitats with S. fuscum and S. angustifolium, or S. fallax.

Sphagnum riparium Ångstr.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SPHAGNUM RIPARIUM ÅNGSTR.
KEY FEATURES
The stem leaves with an obvious tear and the irregular to elliptic, large apical
pore of the branch leaf hyaline cells are characteristics of this species. Living
plants are easily identified by the large apical bud. Branch fascicles are usually
sparsely positioned along the stem, thus the characteristic stem leaves are
easily seen with a hand lens.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants large, yellow-green, forming loose canopies, apical bud very
conspicuous, 1-2 pendent branches visible between capitulum arms. Stems
clear, without hyalodernis. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, minutely truncate
at apex; stem leaves large, broadly lanceolate, with single longitudinal
resorption-tear to about mid leaf. Leaf Cells with conspicuous, oval,
irregularly-shaped pore at apex on convex surface, additional pores either
none, a second central pore just beneath apical one, or with some rounded
pores only in cell corners, several very inconspicuous rounded central pores
on concave surface; green cells triangular, exposed on convex surface.
HABITAT
Forms carpets in mesotrophic pools, especially prevalent in internal lawns and
recent collapse scars, and patterned poor fens where local nutrient inputs are
evident. Sphagnum riparium is an early colonizer of wet, disturbed sites across
the boreal, but becomes infrequent farther north.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Often found with S. majus, S. jensenii, S. fallax, and S. angustifolium.

Straminergon (Calliergon) stramineum

(Brid.) Hedenäs
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

STRAMIERGON (CALLIERGON) STRAMINEUM (BRID.) HEDENÄS
KEY FEATURES
The straw-coloured, slender, unbranched plants with oblong, obtuse, straight
leaves distinguish this species. Calliergon and Calliergonella species (all with
similar leaf cells) have inflated, hyaline alar cells and generally broader leaves.
Formerly known as Calliergon stramineum.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants erect to ascending, yellow-green, slender, forming loose mats or
occurring singly in Sphagnum mats. Stems mostly unbranched, without
hyalodermis. Leaves narrowly oblong to oblong, ending in obtuse, cucullate
apex, straight; costa single, ending about 2/3 up the leaf. Leaf Cells elongate
to narrowly rhombic, with blunt ends, smooth and thin-walled. Alar Cells
forming a conspicuous group of thick-walled, rectangular, coloured cells;
somewhat decurrent.
HABITAT
Mostly occurring on a variety of organic substrates, most common in
oligotrophic habitats where it is found intermingled with Sphagnum, but also
occurring in carpets and lawns of rich fens.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Intermingled with peat-forming Sphagna such as S. fuscum, S. angustifolium,
and S. magellancium, but also with carpet/lawn species of Drepanocladus
(sensu lato).

Warnstorfia exannulata (Schimp.)

Loeske
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

WARNSTORFIA EXANNULATA (SCHIMP.) LOESKE
KEY FEATURES
Distinguished from W. fluitans by having a stronger costa, reddish colouration,
and abruptly inflated groups of hyaline alar cells. In general, the plants
are larger and more robust then those of W. fluitans. The denticulate leaf
margins, often seen best in the apical tufts of young leaves, distinguish this
species and W. fluitans from species in the Drepanocladus aduncus group.
Scorpidium species have shorter leaves and enlarged epidermal cells of the
stem, while Hamatocaulis species have no central strand of the stem, and lack
differentiated alar cells. Somewhat similar species include W. trichophylla with
a long excurrent costa and W. (Calliergidium or Sarmentypnum) tundrae with
5-angled stem and long decurrent leaves.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants slender to large, reddish-green. Stems sporadically to irregularly
pinnately branched, in transverse section with central strand and no
enlarged epidermal cells. Leaves narrowly lanceolate, gradually acuminate;
costa strong, ending 2/3 up leaf to just below apex, excurrent in closely
related aquatic species. Leaf Cells elongate-linear with rather blunt ends,
smooth; with denticulate margins, sometimes with teeth only near apex and
sometimes teeth continuing to mid leaf and conspicuous on lower shoulders.
Alar Cells abruptly inflated and hyaline, forming conspicuous groups of one
row of enlarged, rectangular cells along with a few smaller, hyaline cells.
HABITAT
Floating in water or forming emergent mats in pools or on unconsolidated
peat. Characteristic of poor fens and peat plateaus with wet collapse scars.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
In boreal regions found with Sphagnum majus, S. fallax, and S. jensenii,
occasionally with the rare S. lindbergii and farther north with S. balticum.

SPECIES OF BOGS, POOR FENS AND RICH FENS
Aulacomnium palustre (Hedw.)

Schwaegr.
Photo: Bin Xu, NAIT Boreal Research Institute
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

AULACOMNIUM PALUSTRE (HEDW.) SCHWAEGR.
KEY FEATURES
Aulacomnium palustre is one of the very few peatland moss species with
isodiametric, papillose leaf cells. The yellow-green leaf apices contrasted to the
reddish stems, twisted leaves, and when present the gemmiferous shoots, also
characterize this species. In arctic-alpine areas, A. turgidum and A. acuminatum
occur – both are larger, more robust species without the covering of reddish
tomentum of the stems. Tomentypnum nitens has reddish tomentum, but is
distinguished by plicate leaves and pinnately branched stems.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants erect, unbranched, reddish below owing to dense tomentum of reddish
rhizoids, yellow-green above. Stems covered with rhizoids, sometimes ending
in attenuate shoots covered with triangular, red-brown brood-bodies that
occur along upper portion of shoot. Leaves twisted and curled when dry,
erect-spreading when moist, lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, acute, serrate
above; costa strong, ending just below apex; entire and recurved below. Leaf
Cells isodiametric to rounded, thick-walled, with a single large papilla on each
surface. Alar Cells not differentiated.
HABITAT
Growing on hummocks and on disturbed peat in all peatlands - limited
by calcareous ground water in rich fens. This is a pioneer species in early
succession of both fens and bogs.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Dicranum undulatum, Polytrichum strictum, and Tomentypnum nitens; this is one
of the most common peatland species.

SPECIES OF BOGS, POOR FENS AND RICH FENS
Dicranum undulatum Brid.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

DICRANUM UNDULATUM BRID.
KEY FEATURES
The short, irregular leaf cells, strongly differentiated alar cells, and undulate,
rather blunt leaves characterize this species. Two other species with undulate
leaves are Dicranum polysetum that has strongly nodose, elongate upper leaf
cells and D. acutifolium with slender, acute leaf ápices – both occur in upland
habitats and are rare in peatlands. Aulacomnium palustre has leaf cells each
with one well-developed, blunt, conical papilla.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants erect, unbranched, often with single sporophytes. Stems colourless,
covered with orange-brown tomentum of rhizoids. Leaves lanceolate, obtuse
to bluntly acute; with strong single costa; entire except just below apex where
several course serrations are present, irregularly undulate above, loosely erect
wet or dry. Leaf Cells irregularly isodiametric to oblong or quadrate, somewhat
longer below, smooth or with an inconspicuous, low, single, papilla per cell.
Alar Cells of well-differentiated groups of reddish, thick-walled, quadrate,
enlarged cells.
HABITAT
Occurs as small clumps interspersed on hummocks in both bogs and fens,
more common in bogs. This is one of the most commonly collected plants
from boreal peatlands, but is less common in oceanic areas and northward.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Sphagnum fuscum, Tomentypnum nitens, Aulacomnium palustre, and
Pleurozium schreberi.

Sphagnum fallax (Klinggr.) Klinggr.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SPHAGNUM FALLAX (KLINGGR.) KLINGGR.
KEY FEATURES
The apiculate, entire stem leaves define this species. The branch leaf
pore pattern is similar to that of S. angustifolium and S. balticum (the
latter differentiated by green cell transverse section). Sphagnum fallax is
subcontinental and temperate in distribution, and becomes rare in continental,
boreal areas. Historically, and especially in North America, the name S.
recurvum has been applied in a broad sense to include S. angustifolium, S. fallax,
and S. flexuosum (as well as S. recurvum sensu stricto) – all differentiated by
stem leaf features.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants large, but slender in yellow-green to green-brown, loose lawns, with
small apical bud and two pendent branches visible between capitulum arms.
Stems without enlarged hyalodermis, central core clear to green. Leaves
ovate-lanceolate and narrowed to acuminate, narrowly truncate apex, often
undulate when dry; stem leaves oblong-triangular and apiculate, not erose at
tip, without fibrils and pores. Leaf Cells of convex surface of branch leaves few,
consisting of one rather large rounded to elliptic apical pore and sometimes
a few smaller pores restricted to cell corners, on concave surface several
indistinct, unringed pores along cell edges, green cells triangular and reaching
concave surface, exposed broadly on convex surface.
HABITAT
Found in wet lawns and carpets in poor fens and found in oceanic areas in bog
hollows. This species appears to tolerate high nutrient levels and occupies more
nutrient rich sites than others of the group. In Alberta, reported only from the
eastern part of the province; there occurring in large patterned poor fens.

Sphagnum jensenii H.Lindb.
Photo: Tomas Hallingbäck, Swedish

University of Agricultural Sciences Photo: Dale H. Vitt, Southern Illinois University
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SPHAGNUM JENSENII H.LINDB.
KEY FEATURES
Similar to S. majus in the field. When the two grow together, S. jensenii is
slightly darker and a little larger - both differentiated from other species by
dark colour. The distinctive pore pattern (see below) of the branch leaf hyaline
cells is the best identifying feature.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants forming loose mats, dark brown to reddish-green, with a moderate
apical bud and one pendent branch visible between capitulum arms. Stems
with clear core and poorly differentiated hyalodermis. Leaves ovate-lanceolate
and gradually narrowed to narrowly truncate apex; stem leaves oblong
and concave in upper portion – thus leaves appearing triangular, hyaline
cells without pores and with few fibrils in upper part. Leaf Cells long, with
numerous pores on both surfaces – convex surface with 7-20 small elliptic to
rounded, ringed and unringed pores, usually in two medial rows and concave
surface with 4-15 medium-sized, round, unringed pores, some near cell
corners and most in 1-2 medial rows, green cells isosceles-triangular, exposed
on convex surface.
HABITAT
Found in pools and emergent in poor fens and in permafrost collapse features.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Often with S. majus, S. obtusum, and S. fallax.

Sphagnum majus (Russ.) C.Jens.
Photo: Dale H. Vitt, Southern Illinois University
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SPHAGNUM MAJUS (RUSS.) C.JENS.
KEY FEATURES
The lack of pores on the concave surface of branch leaf hyaline cells coupled
with numerous, rather large medial pores on the convex surface and blunt,
oblong stem leaves are identifying features. In the field, the dark colour and
habitat are helpful characters.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants medium-sized, floating or in loose carpets, dark brown to mottled
reddish-green, with small apical bud and 1-(2) pendent branches visible
between capitulum arms. Stems without dark core, hyalodermis not or poorly
developed. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, gradually acuminate and narrowly
truncate at apex; stem leaves oblong, concave and inflexed, with leaves
appearing triangular, blunt and rounded, hyaline cells with few fibrils in
upper part, without pores. Leaf Cells long, with many unringed, large pores
in 1-2 medial rows (not in contact with cell edges), without pores on concave
surface (or occasionally with 1-3 small faint, pores at cell corners), green cells
isosceles triangular, exposed on convex surface.
HABITAT
Floating and emergent in poor fens, in collapse scars, and in internal lawns.
Sphagnum majus occurs in more minerotrophic habitats then does S. cuspidatum,
a species not reported from Alberta.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Often found with S. jensenii; also sometimes with S. balticum and S. obtusum.

Sphagnum russowii Warnst.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SPHAGNUM RUSSOWII WARNST.
KEY FEATURES
The reddish colouration; oblong, blunt stem leaves with a resorbed apical
notch; and porose stem hyalodermis are the key characters of this species.
The branch leaves are quite similar to those of other section Acutifolium
species; however, the ringed, elliptic, rather small pores in the upper part of
young leaves are about half way in size between those of S. warnstorfii and
those of S. capillifolium and S. fuscum.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants slender reddish-green with loose canopies, capitulum flat and clearly
star-shaped, sometimes mottled in red to greenish bands, one pendent
branch visible between capitulum arms. Stems with pale-reddish core and 2-3
layered, well-developed hyalodermis; some cells of outermost stem layer with
pores. Leaves ovate-lanceolate and gradually tapered to truncate acuminate
apex; stem leaves oblong, obtuse, flat, with small resorbed notch at apex,
without fibrils and pores. Leaf Cells with 6-10 elliptic, ringed, medium-sized
pores arranged along sides of bulging hyaline cells, concave surface flat, with
several larger, unringed pores positioned medially; green cells triangular,
exposed on concave surface.
HABITAT
Found on low hummocks and drier lawns at the edges of oligotrophic habitats
and in marginal swampy woods.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Sometimes with S. girgensohnii and other woodland mosses or with S. fallax in
marginal habitats.

Tomentypnum falcifolium (Nichols.)

Tuom.
Photo: Peter Whitehead, Cape Ecology, Ltd.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

TOMENTYPNUM FALCIFOLIUM (NICHOLS.) TUOM.
KEY FEATURES
This species differs from Tomentypnum nitens in having falcate-secund leaves
with tomentum restricted to one side of the stem. The falcate-secund,
plicate leaves are reminiscent of Sanionia uncinata, but differs in having
abundant tomentum.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants erect to ascending, pinnately branched. Stems covered on one side
with tomentum of reddish rhizoids. Leaves long lanceolate, falcate-secund,
acuminate to narrowly acute, strongly plicate; costa strong and single, ending
just below apex; margins entire. Leaf Cells elongate-linear, thin-walled,
smooth. Alar Cells not much different, shorter, with thicker nodose walls.
HABITAT
A species of hummocks and drier habitats in poor fens, often associated with
Sphagnum angustifolium.

SPECIES OF POOR FENS AND RICH FENS
Sphagnum subsecundum Sturm
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SPHAGNUM SUBSECUNDUM STURM
KEY FEATURES
This species has subsecund capitulum branches, often a dirty orange tint;
one-layered hyalodermis; and branch leaf hyaline cell pores arranged as
strings of beads along both sides of the cell - the pores large and covering
the distance between the fibrils. Several closely related species have been
recognized and form a difficult complex of seemingly intergrading taxa. Two
are key northern species worth mentioning. Sphagnum contortum has a 2-3
layered hyalodermis and small pores that are less than 1/2 the distance
between the fibrils. Sphagnum orientale, a truly arctic species has tiny pores
in 2-3 rows, the medial row is sometimes not well-organized, but there is at
least 1-3 tiny medial pores in some upper leaf cells. It is shiny blackish purple
colour calling to mind ‘Darth Vadar’.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants orange-green to yellow-brown in soft cushions and lawns; branches
slightly curved (subsecund); and one pendent branch somewhat visible
between capitulum arms. Stems with brownish central core and 1-layered,
well-developed hyalodermis. Leaves 1.0-1.2 mm long, curved, ovate, acute and
narrowly truncate, very concave; stem leaves small 0.5-0.8 mm long, oblong
to ovate-oblong, blunt, concave, with some fibrils in upper portion and also
few irregular areas of resorption present. Leaf Cells on convex surface with
two rows of numerous, rounded to elliptic pores arranged along green cell
contact, pores about width of fibril spacing; on concave surface with few small
pores at ends and corners; green cells trapezoidal, exposed more broadly on
convex surface
HABITAT
In wet minerotrophic habitats, sometimes in transitional rich/poor fens.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
S. teres, S. warnstorfii, S. fimbriatum, and S. obtusum can all occur in similar habitats.

Aneura pinguis (L.) Dum.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

ANEURA PINGUIS (L.) DUM.
KEY FEATURES
The only thalloid liverwort that commonly occurs in rich fens, Aneura pinguis is
characterized by small (about 4-8 mm wide) thalli that appear oily and fleshy,
often with wavy margins. No midrib is obvious and rarely are sporophytes
present. Marchantia polymorpha occurs on organic soils after disturbance – it
has clear rhomboidal markings on the upper surface and the rare Moerkia
flotoviana (and Pellia endiviifolia that does not occur in peatlands) have a
distinct midrib and thin, delicate strap-shaped thalli. Species of Riccardia are
much smaller (1-2 mm wide) and branched – and occur on rotting logs and
organic debris (usually not in peatlands).
IDENTIFICATION
Plants thalloid, prostrate to ascending, growing singly or in tangled groups
of thalli, with few branches, thalli 5-15 cells thick in the middle with marginal
areas 1-3 cells thick, without a distinct midrib.
HABITAT
Aneura occurs in wetter areas of rich fens mixed in with other bryophytes -
sometimes the thalli are quite small in Alberta, but the oily, unbranched thalli
are distinctive.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Occurs with species of Drepanocladus, Scorpidium, and Hamatocaulis; most
common in extreme rich fens.

Brachythecium acutum (Mitt.) Sull.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

BRACHYTHECIUM ACUTUM (MITT.) SULL.
KEY FEATURES
This species is the only common Brachythecium that regularly occurs in
boreal rich fens. Brachythecium turgidum, more common northward, is larger
and mostly unbranched. The straight (non-falcate-secund), leaves with
no plications, shortly acuminate leaf apices, lack of inflated alar cells, and
presence of a single costa distinguish this species from all other mosses
growing in fens. In general, other more upland species of the genus have
narrower leaves, more branched plants, and most species have serrulate
leaf margins. When these upland species occur in peatlands, they are found
on rotting wood and tree bases, and do not occur directly in lawn habitats.
Drepanocladus polygamus is somewhat similar, but has a u-shaped leaf
insertion and more acuminate, somewhat channeled leaf apices - it occurs in
more eutrophic habitats.
The species of Brachythecium that is commonly found in rich fens across
boreal Alberta has in the past been called B. mildeanum. Recently BFNA has
considered the correct name for this species in North America to be B. acutum.
Here we follow this treatment - this photo is B. mildeanum from Europe.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants rather large, erect to ascending, mostly with a few branches, light- to
lime-green, sometimes with yellow-green tips. Stems naked, without enlarged
epidermal cells. Leaves erect, sometimes loosely so, straight, broadly lanceolate
to oblong-lanceolate, shortly acuminate, not plicate; costa weak, single, ending
about 3/4 up leaf; margins entire. Leaf Cells elongate-linear, mostly with sharp
ends, smooth, shorter below. Alar Cells gradually shorter and rectangular, rather
dense and firm-walled, forming indistinct, angular groups.
HABITAT
Growing among other mosses in carpets and lawns of moderate-rich fens,
occasionally found in pure patches.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Hamatocaulis vernicosus and Scorpidium revolvens.

Brachythecium turgidum (Hartm.)

Kindb.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

BRACHYTHECIUM TURGIDUM (HARTM.) KINDB.
KEY FEATURES
The large, yellow-green, mostly unbranched plants growing erect in rich fens
distinguish this species from Brachythecium acutum. Whereas B. acutum is
common across the boreal zone, B. turgidum is more frequent in arctic and
subarctic fens and meadows.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants robust, erect to ascending, mostly unbranched or with a few scattered
branches. Leaves erect to spreading, straight, broadly lanceolate, acute;
costa single, ending in upper portion; entire. Leaf Cells elongate, thin-walled,
smooth. Alar Cells somewhat larger, rectangular-rounded, thin-walled and
clear, forming a poorly defined group.
HABITAT
Growing intermixed with other mosses in rich fens and arctic meadows, not
common in the boreal zone.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Species of Campylium and Drepanocladus (sensu lato).

Calliergon giganteum (Schimp.)

Kindb.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

CALLIERGON GIGANTEUM (SCHIMP.) KINDB.
KEY FEATURES
Obtuse leaves with a very strong, single costa that continues to the leaf apex are
key features of this species. Branch leaves are often much narrower and inrolled
making them appear even more narrow than the stem leaves, but all of these
leaves have the strong costa. All leaves also have abruptly differentiated alar cell
groups. Calliergon richardsonii is similar, but has a short double costa; Stramiergon
stramineum has oblong leaves and alar cells with thickened walls; and C.
cordifolium has gradually inflated alar cells and undifferentiated branch and
stem leaves. Calliergon cordifolium is more common in eastern North America
and occurs in more eutrophic habitats; C. richardsonii is more common in the
northern boreal forest, often in shaded hollows, and S. stramineum is a species of
bogs and poor fens, usually associated with Sphagnum.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants large, unbranched to regularly pinnately branched, brownish. Stems
colourless, without tomentum. Leaves ovate, ovate-oblong to lanceolate-
ovate, obtuse; with strong single costa ending at leaf apex; entire. Leaf Cells
elongate-linear, smooth, most leaves having a few, clear, differentiated cells
just below apex. Alar Cells inflated, hyaline, isodiametric to oval, cells forming
abruptly differentiated, decurrent, concave auricles at leaf bases.
HABITAT
Emergent in pools, forming carpets, and intermixed with other brown mosses
on lawns in rich fens.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Scorpidium cossonii, S. scorpioides, and H. vernicosus are frequently found
intermixed with this species.

Calliergon richardsonii (Mitt.) Kindb.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

CALLIERGON RICHARDSONII (MITT.) KINDB.
KEY FEATURES
This is a species of the northern boreal forest. It is not completely clear how its
habitat preferences differ from those of C. giganteum. These two species are
similar in alar cell characters, but differ in strength of the costa and leaf shape.
Both of these species differ from the eastern C. cordifolium, by the sharply
differentiated alar cells, as compared to gradually differentiated ones of the
latter species. Calliergon richardsonii has leaves that are shorter (1-2:1) and more
ovate in shape then C. giganteum, wherein the stem leaves are oblong to oblong-
ovate and are about 2-3 times as long as wide. Also, C. giganteum is dioicous and
seldom fruits, while C. richardsonii is autoicous and often has capsules.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants erect to ascending, lime-green, with few to rather numerous side
branches. Stems flaccid and clear, without hyalodermis. Leaves ovate to
ovate-oblong, obtuse, concave; with short, usually double costa ending 1/3
and 1/2 distance up leaf; margins erect, entire. Leaf Cells elongate to long
rhombic, with blunt ends. Alar Cells hyaline, inflated, and forming an abruptly
differentiated decurrent group.
HABITAT
Emergent from pools in rich fens, especially in wooded fens and forested swamps.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Species that also occur in wooded fen depressions are a variety of species of
Drepanocladus sensu lato.

Calliergonella cuspidata (Hedw.)

Loeske
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

CALLIERGONELLA CUSPIDATA (HEDW.) LOESKE
KEY FEATURES
This large moss has erect to ascending, flattened stems that look like spear-
heads. Whereas in Europe and along the western coast of North America
the species is a common weed of ditches and yards, in continental Canada it
occurs almost exclusively in moderate-rich fens. The leaves are complanate
(flattened) and not at all secund, this feature separates this species from
Hypnum pratense that has flattened leaves with secund tips and only a few
moderate-sized alar cells. Hypnum lindbergii has inflated alar cells and a stem
hyalodermis much like C. cuspidata, but has distinctly falcate-secund leaves.
Both H. pratense and H. lindbergii occur characteristically in shrubby and
wooded rich fens and forested swamps.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants robust, erect to ascending, shiny, yellow-green, occurring in mats or
singly among other mosses. Stems irregularly to subpinnately branched, with a
distinct hyalodermis and central strand. Leaves oblong to oblong-ovate, rounded
and obtuse, concave; costa none or short and double; margins entire. Leaf Cells
elongate and flexuose, smooth, those near insertion thicker-walled. Alar Cells
oblong to oval, inflated, thin-walled, hyaline, forming conspicuous auricles.
HABITAT
Growing in fen lawns and carpets, floating mats, and wet meadows.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
When in peatlands, sometimes associated with Brachythecium acutum,
Sphagnum subsecundum, S. teres, Drepanocladus polygamus, and Hypnum pratense.

Campylium stellatum (Hedw.) C.Jens.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

CAMPYLIUM STELLATUM (HEDW.) C.JENS.
KEY FEATURES
The widely-spreading stiff leaves are key field characters. The leaves have
a concave, ovate base that quickly narrows to a long, channeled, acuminate
apex. The channeled acumen is a key character. In the arctic, C. arcticum has
even more concave leaves and a v-shaped insertion (compared to a more
open u-shaped one for C. stellatum). Drepanocladus polygamus is a species
that occurs in eutrophic marshes and fens, in carpets, and has less spreading
and less concave leaves that have a stronger, usually single costa. Other
Campylium species are smaller and more prostrate.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants golden-green, bristling, with erect to ascending, infrequently branched
stems. Leaves wide-spreading to almost squarrose wet or dry, ovate-lanceolate,
and sharply narrowed to a long acuminate, channeled apex; costa short and
double; entire. Leaf Cells elongate to long rhombic with blunt ends, smooth. Alar
Cells hyaline and enlarged, forming a well-marked angular group.
HABITAT
Found in lawns of rich fens, occurring above Scorpidium revolvens and S.
cossonii, and below Sphagnum warnstorfii and Tomentypnum nitens.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
In extreme rich fens, rare associates may include Catoscopium nigritum.

Catoscopium nigritum (Hedw.) Brid.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

CATOSCOPIUM NIGRITUM (HEDW.) BRID.
KEY FEATURES
When sterile, this moss has little character and except for the habitat could be
mistaken for the ubiquitous Ceratodon purpureus – the latter has a few marginal
notches just below the leaf apices - however, Ceratodon never occurs in rich
fen lawns. Catoscopium leaves are small (about 1.0-1.3 mm) and have smooth,
quadrate cells. Catoscopium is usually fertile, with black, globose, nodding
capsules that looks like golf clubs. These are distinctive and no other species
has capsules like these.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants small, erect, forming dense, dark-green to reddish cushions. Stems
unbranched, reddish, with scattered dark rhizoids. Leaves lanceolate, acute.
Leaf Cells erect, quadrate, smooth, longer below. Alar Cells not differentiated.
HABITAT
Grows along the edges of flarks and carpets where it forms darkish cushions,
sometimes in lawns with a variety of extreme rich fen species.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Often with Scorpidium revolvens.

Drepanocladus aduncus (Hedw.)

Warnst.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

DREPANOCLADUS ADUNCUS (HEDW.) WARNST.
KEY FEATURES
Drepanocladus aduncus, in a broad sense, consists of plants that have stems
with a central strand, but no enlarged epidermis; entire leaf margins; and a few
enlarged and inflated alar cells. There is considerable morphological variation
and several taxa have been recognized and occur in somewhat different
habitats. These include the truly aquatic Drepanocladus capillifolius with a
stout, long-excurrent costa; D. polycarpus with short leaf cells, branched erect-
growing plants with short leaves; and D. kneiffii, a form with long leaf cells and
slender, flaccid leaves. All of these variations appear to occur in mesotrophic
to eutrophic fens and marshes. Drepanocladus sordidus has a strong costa,
thick-walled and nodose lower leaf cells, and the alar cells are strongly porose,
thick-walled, and brownish.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants highly variable, usually slender and irregularly branched. Stems naked,
with a central strand, but without a hyalodermis or enlarged epidermis.
Leaves falcate-secund, narrowly lanceolate, and gradually narrowed to a long
acuminate apex, sometimes shorter; costa single, slender, ending 1/2 to 3/4
up the leaf; margins entire. Leaf Cells elongate to long-rhombic, smooth, not
decurrent. Alar Cells consisting of a few enlarged hyaline cells that merge
gradually with the basal leaf cells.
HABITAT
Grows floating and stranded in water, emergent from fen pools, or forming
dense carpets just above the water table.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Hamatocaulis vernicosus sometimes occurs with this species, but is more
common in less eutrophic habitats; D. polygamus co-occurs in more
eutrophic situations.

Drepanocladus (Campylium)
polygamus (Schimp.) Hedenäs
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

DREPANOCLADUS (CAMPYLIUM) POLYGAMUS (SCHIMP.) HEDENÄS
KEY FEATURES
The erect-spreading, broadly concave leaves are key features of this species.
Drepancladus aduncus, which occurs in similar habitats, differs by having
falcate-secund leaves (at least at the branch tips). Campylium stellatum differs
by having no (or short and double) costa, and Brachythecium acutum has non-
channelled leaves, less-differentiated alar cells, and by habitat. In the past
literature, this species has been placed in Campylium, close to C. Stellatum.
This species has more similarity to Drepanocladus; however, it lacks the
traditional falcate-secund leaves of species in that genus.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants simple to irregularly branched, usually ascending to erect, forming
loose mats. Stems naked. Leaves lanceolate, shortly acuminate; costa single,
ending in upper one-third of leaf, insertion u-shaped; entire, somewhat
channelled below. Leaf Cells elongate, smooth. Alar Cells oblong, somewhat
inflated, darker and thick-walled with age.
HABITAT
Occuring in marshes and other eutrophic, open (sedge-dominated) fens.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Drepanocladus aduncus. Although quite similar superficially to Brachythecium
acutum, this latter species occurs in more mesotrophic habitats such as
moderate-rich fens.

Drepanocladus sordidus (C.Muell.)

Hedenäs
NO AVAILABLE PHOTO
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

DREPANOCLADUS SORDIDUS (C.MUELL.) HEDENÄS
KEY FEATURES
This rather rare species is robust, with long-acuminate, strongly falcate-
secund leaves. The key feature that differentiates it from other species of
Drepancladus (sensu lato) are the enlarged, oblong, coloured, thick-walled
(often nodose) alar cells. It shares entire leaf margins and stem transverse
section features (central strand, no hyalodermis) with Drepancladus aduncus.
Previously in North American literature, plants belonging to this species have
been named Drepanocladus sendtneri (C.Muell.) Warnst, but this species does
not occur in North America.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants dark- to brownish-green, erect to ascending, simple to irregularly
branched. Leaves strongly falcate-secund, lanceolate, acuminate; costa strong,
ending in upper portion of leaf; entire. Leaf Cells elongate, with somewhat
thickened walls in lower portion of leaf. Alar Cells, oblong, coloured, thick-
walled and nodose, forming well-differentiated groups.
HABITAT
A species of rich fen pools and carpets.

Hamatocaulis vernicosus (Mitt.)

Hedenäs
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

HAMATOCAULIS VERNICOSUS (MITT.) HEDENÄS
KEY FEATURES
This is a characteristic species of moderate- and sometimes extreme-rich
fens. The hooked and falcate leaves (see inset) are good field characters,
while under the microscope the lack of a central strand in the stem transverse
section is definitive for the genus. Also, the faintly striate leaves with no
differentiated alar cells and branched stems are helpful features. The stem
apices have a characteristic fish-hook appearance that once recognized is
useful for field identification.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants yellow-green to dirty-green in colour, mostly ascending to erect, usually
with numerous branches. Stems naked, with pronounced hooked upper
portion, with no central strand and no enlarged epidermis cells in transverse
section. Leaves falcate-secund, somewhat striate, especially when dry; costa
single, ending about 2/3 up leaf; margins entire. Leaf Cells elongate with blunt
ends, smooth. Alar Cells not much different from basal cells.
HABITAT
Forms lawns and small hummocks in rich fens, sometimes dominating areas
and occurring in depressions and at the bases of shrubs.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
In more eutrophic habitats occurring with Drepanocladus aduncus, while in
mesotrophic situations, occurring with Scorpidium revolvens and S. cossonii,
but generally found in more nutrient rich places than are these two species.
Hamatocaulis lapponicus is less branched, larger, has better developed alar
cells, and occurs in depressions in similar habitats.

Helodium blandowii (F.Weber et

D.Mohr) Warnst.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

HELODIUM BLANDOWII (F.WEBER ET D.MOHR) WARNST.
KEY FEATURES
The densely pinnate fronds, stem leaves different from branch leaves, and
abundant filamentous paraphyllia composed of long, smooth cells are key
characters. Thuidium species are bipinnate, while Haplocladium occurs in uplands.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants robust, erect, regularly pinnately branched, in light-green, loose mats.
Stems covered in filamentous, branched, green paraphyllia. Leaves - stem
leaves ovate, shortly acuminate, serrulate, costa strong, single and ending
below apex; branch leaves narrower, smaller; all leaves with ciliate basal
margins due to presence of paraphyllia. Leaf Cells oblong-rhombic, uni-
papillose on ventral surface. Alar Cells not differentiated, but basal cells
somewhat enlarged.
HABITAT
A species of wooded and shrubby, moderate-rich fens.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Often with Scapania paludicola, Hypnum pratense, and Hamatocaulis vernicosus.

Hypnum lindbergii Mitt.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

HYPNUM LINDBERGII MITT.
KEY FEATURES
The regularly falcate-secund, yellow-green leaves without a costa are
distinctive features of this species. Although superficially similar to species of
Drepanocladus (sensu lato) the lack of a costa readily differentiates this species.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants irregularly branched, yellow-to lime-green, forming loose mats. Stems
naked, with unistratose outer layer of enlarged cells. Leaves falcate-second;
costa lacking to short and double; margins entire. Leaf Cells smooth, elongate.
Alar Cells hyaline, enlarged, forming distinctive inflated groups at insertion.
HABITAT
A species of wooded rich fens and swamps, but also common on mineral
soils along stream banks, and occasionally forming mats in shrubby and
drier open fens.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Include Plagiomnium elipticum, Ptychostomum pseudotriquetrum, and
Tomentypnum nitens.

Hypnum pratense (Rabenh.) Spruce
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

HYPNUM PRATENSE (RABENH.) SPRUCE
KEY FEATURES
Although seemingly similar to H. lindbergii, this species is easily distinguished
by having complanate-secund leaves and a lack of inflated hyaline alar cells.
The complanate-secund leaves that lack a costa differentiate this species from
other species with falcate-secund leaves.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants simple to irregularly branched, yellow- to lime-green, forming loose
mats or occurring as single stems. Stems naked with a unistratose outer later
of enlarged cells. Leaves complanate-secund, entire or slightly serrulate at
apex, contracted to insertion; costa lacking or short and double. Leaf Cells
smooth, elongate. Alar Cells somewhat thin-walled, quadrate to oblong,
enlarged but not forming an inflated distinctive group.
HABITAT
A species of swamps and moderate-rich fens, usually occurring scattered
among other mosses on low hummocks and lawns. Not uncommon in sedge-
dominated, shrubby, and wooded fens - more frequent in fens than H. lindbergii.

Meesia triquetra (Richt.) Ångstr.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

MEESIA TRIQUETRA (RICHT.) ÅNGSTR.
KEY FEATURES
The ovate-lanceolate leaves, with serrulate margins that occur in three spirals
along the stem identify this species. Meesia longiseta is quite similar, but is
differentiated by entire margins. In addition, Meesia longiseta is autoicous and
frequently with capsules, while M. triquetra is dioicous and rarely has capsules.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants erect, unbranched, lime- to dark-green. Stems colourless and smooth.
Leaves spreading when moist, twisted when dry, spirally three-ranked, ovate-
lanceolate, acute; costa strong, single, ending in apex, decurrent; margins
serrulate above. Leaf Cells rhombic, rectangular to quadrate, smooth, longer
below. Alar Cells not differentiated.
HABITAT
Occurring singly or in small patches in rich fen lawns, often with species of
Scorpidium.

Meesia uliginosa Hedw.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

MEESIA ULIGINOSA HEDW.
KEY FEATURES
The strap-shaped leaves with strongly recurved margins, nearly the whole
length of the leaves, are characteristic of this species. The short, smooth leaf
cells and complete lack of differentiated alar cells are also features of this
species. No other peatland species has such ligulate leaves. In addition, M.
uliginosa is commonly found with sporophytes and the capsules with a long
neck abruptly bent about 1/2 way up are characteristic of the genus Meesia. This
species is one of several that inhabits wooded rich fen and swamp depressions,
one of the richest habitats for uncommon bryophyte species. This species also
occurs in peaty calcareous wet tundra and montane stream-side habitats.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants erect, unbranched. Stems short, naked. Leaves erect, ligulate, obtuse;
costa very strong ending in apex; entire. Leaf Cells rounded, smooth. Alar
Cells not differentiated.
HABITAT
This species is one of several that inhabit wooded rich fen and swamp
depressions, one of the richest habitats for uncommon bryophyte species.
This species also occurs in peaty calcareous wet tundra and montane
stream-side habitats.

Mesoptychia (Lophozia) rutheana

(Limpr.) L.Söderst. et Váňa
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

MESOPTYCHIA (LOPHOZIA) RUTHEANA (LIMPR.) L.SÖDERST. ET VÁŇA
KEY FEATURES
This large, beautiful species is always a pleasure to find. The decurrent,
succubous, bilobed leaves with broadly reflexed margins cannot be confused
with any other boreal species. Historically this species has been placed in
either the genus Leiocolea or Lophozia.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants robust, purple to copper-coloured. Stems 4-5 mm across, prostrate to
ascending. Leaves oblong-ovate, convex, bilobed, lobes acuminate; postical
margin long-decurrent, underleaves large, bifid, and ciliate.
HABITAT
This infrequent indicator species of extreme-rich fens is the largest of the
peatland liverwort species. It appears to occur on lawns and along the sides of
small hummocks in open rich fens.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Occurs with species of Meesia, Paludella squarrosa and other rich fen
‘brown mosses’.

Paludella squarrosa (Hedw.) Brid
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PALUDELLA SQUARROSA (HEDW.) BRID
KEY FEATURES
Perhaps the most distinctive moss found in peatlands. The erect plants, stiff,
5-ranked, strongly squarrose-recurved leaves, dense tomentum on the stems,
and golden-green colour are definitive. The strongly papillose upper leaf cells
are also quite different from those of other species. When sporophytes are
present, the capsules with long necks show its relationships with Meesia.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants erect, golden-green, with closely set leaves. Stems with dense orange
tomentum of rhiziods. Leaves stiffly squarrose-recurved; costa strong,
ending near apex; with margins reflexed. Leaf Cells oblong-rounded, strongly
unipapillose. Alar Cells not differentiated.
HABITAT
A rare species of extreme-rich fens, where it occurs on open lawns and low
hummocks.

Plagiomnium ellipticum (Brid.) T.Kop.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PLAGIOMNIUM ELLIPTICUM (BRID.) T.KOP.
KEY FEATURES
Plagiomnium ellipticum could be confused with a number of species: a summary
of these for peatland habitats follows with differentiating features noted
(compared to those listed below for P. ellipticum). Plagiomnium medium has
decurrent leaves on the fertile stems, is larger and darker in colour, and is an
upland and margin species; Rhizomnium pseudopunctatum (also R. gracile)
has entire leaves; Pseudobryum cinclidioides has irregular leaf cells longer than
wide with nodose walls and a very few inconspicuous marginal teeth – this is
sometimes a common species of rich fen carpets in the northern boreal zone.
Plagiomnium cuspidatum and Mnium spinulosum are upland species.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants prostrate to sometimes ascending, lime-green; when fertile with erect
fertile branches and arching, spreading sterile runners. Stems naked or with a
few rhizoids. Leaves obovate to ovate-rounded, blunt or with small apiculus,
bordered by elongate cells; costa strong, ending just below or in apex; upper
margins with a few to numerous small denticulations; leaves not or only very
slightly decurrent. Leaf Cells hexagonal, somewhat longer near the costa,
evenly thin-walled, marginal cells longer. Alar Cells not differentiated.
HABITAT
Occurring commonly in lawns and depressions in wooded fens, rich fens,
and forested swamps; also in depressions in open fens.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
In open fens associated with species of Hamatocaulis and Drepanocladus aduncus.

Pseudobryum cinclidioides (Hueb.)

T.Kop.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PSEUDOBRYUM CINCLIDIOIDES (HUEB.) T.KOP.
KEY FEATURES
This species has a mysterious sheen to it that helps in identification. The
sheen is due to the rather elongate, nodose leaf cells arranged in oblique rows.
Also, the oblong, obtuse leaves with a poorly developed margin of longer
cells and lack of a strong apiculus are key features. Plagiomnium ellipticum and
Rhizomnium pseudopunctatum both have stronger leaf borders and thin-walled
isodiametric leaf cells.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants robust, erect, with loosely arranged large leaves. Stems naked, but
often with some rhizoids. Leaves oblong, obtuse, with satin luster, leaf border
poorly developed, of 1-2 rows of unistratose, elongate cells; entire or with
a few small teeth. Leaf Cells rhombic to oblong, about 2-4 times as long as
wide, with irregularly thickened walls, smooth. Alar Cells not differentiated.
HABITAT
This uncommon species is found in swamps and eutrophic fens, usually in
somewhat shaded or protected habitats, at the edges of small pools, or in
wet lawns.

Pseudocalliergon (Calliergon) trifarium

(F.Weber et D.Mohr) Loeske
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PSEUDOCALLIERGON (CALLIERGON) TRIFARIUM (F.WEBER ET D.MOHR) LOESKE
KEY FEATURES
The slender string-like stems, ovate, imbricate, spirally seriate leaves
that are not much longer than wide; indistinct, single costa; and gradually
differentiated, but enlarged alar cells characterize this species. Calliergon
species have longer leaves, Scorpidium species have falcate-secund leaves, and
Calliergonella has abruptly differentiated, inflated alar cells. Pseudocalliergon
(Scorpidium) turgescens is more robust, has more loosely arranged, imbricate
leaves each with a tiny apiculus. Formerly known as Calliergon trifarium.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants single, mostly unbranched, terete, string-like, growing among other
species. Stems without enlarged epidermis. Leaves ovate to oblong-ovate,
obtuse, concave, imbricate and spirally seriate; costa single, extending 1/2 to
2/3 leaf length; margins entire. Leaf Cells long-rhombic to elongate-oblong,
with blunt ends, smooth. Alar Cells enlarged, hyaline to orange, forming large,
decurrent, and gradually differentiated groups.
HABITAT
Usually found as individual stems among other mosses in extreme-rich fen
carpets. Rarely found in pure patches in carpets of rich fens.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Usually found with Scorpidium species, especially S. scorpioides and S. revolvens,
and in similar habitats as Meesia triquetra.

Ptychostomum (Bryum) pseudotriquetrum

(Hedw.) D.T.Holyoak et N.Pedersen
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PTYCHOSTOMUM (BRYUM) PSEUDOTRIQUETRUM (HEDW.) D.T.HOLYOAK ET N.PEDERSEN
KEY FEATURES
The slender, erect plants with reddish stems and contrasting greenish
decurrencies are key characters. The leaf cells are short (3-4:1) and the
upper leaf margins entire and bordered by long cells – these two features
differentiate it from Pohlia nutans, a species of similar size, but having
longer leaf cells (5-6:1) and serrulate upper leaf margins. The Pohlia occurs
in bogs and poor fens within Sphagnum-dominated habitats whereas
the Ptychostomum occurs in rich fens in true moss-dominated habitats.
Historically this species has been placed in the genus Bryum.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants small, erect, reddish with dark, naked, unbranched stems. Leaves
lanceolate, occasionally broadly so, acute to shortly acuminate; costa single,
strong, ending at or just below leaf apex, occasionally shortly excurrent,
distinctly decurrent; entire. Leaf Cells shortly hexagonal, longer at margin
and there forming a border of long cells, longer below, smooth. Alar Cells
not differentiated.
HABITAT
Growing intermixed among other mosses in rich fens, occurring not
uncommonly in wooded fens and swamps as well as in open rich fens.
Although this species is extremely common and variable in a number of
non-peatland habitats (and hard to differentiate from numerous other Bryum
(sensu lato) species), the form that occurs in rich fens is easily recognized
by the decurrent leaf bases.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
A large number of typical rich fen species are often co-mingled with this
species. Some examples are Hamatocaulis vernicosus, Meesia triquetra,
Scorpidium cossonii, and Plagiomnium ellipticum.

Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SANIONIA UNCINATA (HEDW.) LOESKE
KEY FEATURES
The plicate, circinate, very long-acuminate, denticulate leaves are key features of
this species. The presence of a costa (hard to see owing to the strong plications)
and irregular branching differentiates it from Ptilium crista-castrensis, while the
lack of tomentum separates it from Tomentypnum falcifolium.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants prostrate to ascending, irregularly branched, yellow-green, forming
mats or sometimes as individuals among other mosses. Stems naked, with a
large, hyaline outer layer of cells forming a hyolodermis and well-developed
central strand. Leaves lanceolate, long-acuminate, circinate to falcate-secund,
plicate; margins denticulate above; costa single ending in the upper part of
leaf. Leaf Cells elongate, with blunt ends, smooth. Alar Cells small rectangular,
hyaline and thin-walled, in small group.
HABITAT
Although generally considered an upland species, it can be frequent in
wooded fens and swamps, usually occurring on logs and leaf litter.

Sarmenthypnum (Warnstorfia)
tundrae (Arn.) Hedenäs
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SARMENTYPNUM (WARNSTORFIA) TUNDRAE (ARN.) HEDENÄS
KEY FEATURES
This species has been placed variously in a number of genera, including
Calliergidium, Drepanocladus, and Warnstorfia. Two features make it quite
distinctive: The very long-decurrent leaves that are so decurrent that the stem
becomes 5-angled; and the stem leaves that are erect with down-turned apices
that contrast to the falcate-secund, smaller branch leaves. The stem leaves are
rather short with acute apices while the branch leaves are longer and acuminate.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants large, erect, branched. Stems 5-angled, dark. Leaves stem leaves
loosely erect to somewhat curved, lanceolate, acute to shortly acuminate,
apices bent, long decurrent; branch leaves falcate-secund, lanceolate,
acuminate. Leaf Cells elongate, smooth. Alar Cells oblong, coloured, arranged
as long decurrencies.
HABITAT
A rare species of pools and carpets of rich fens.

Scapania paludicola Loeske et

K.Muell.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SCAPANIA PALUDICOLA LOESKE ET K.MUELL.
KEY FEATURES
One of two large species of Scapania that occurs in fens. Scapania is
differentiated by the rounded, complicate-bilobed, succubous leaves, with
the lower lobe larger than the upper lobe and with no underleaves. Scapania
paludicola is a large showy species. Along with S. paludosa, it is distinguished
by arched postical margins (where the two lobes are joined). Scapania
paludicola has the dorsal lobe (smaller) not decurrent and the ventral
(larger) lobe strongly decurrent, whereas S. paludosa has both the ventral
and dorsal lobes long decurrent.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants large, erect to ascending, light-green, generally without gemmae.
Leaves complicate-bilobed, entire, succubous, lobes heart-shaped, often
acute, ventral lobe long decurrent.
HABITAT
A species of moderate-rich fens, usually along the sides of hollows in
hummocky wooded or shrubby fens.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Often with Hypnum pratense and Helodium blandowii.

Scorpidium cossonii (Schimp.)

Hedenäs
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SCORPIDIUM COSSONII (SCHIMP.) HEDENÄS
KEY FEATURES
Historically, this species has been known by a number of names, most
commonly as Drepanocladus revolvens var. Intermedius. It is identified by green,
profusely branched plants with rather short leaves and shorter leaf cells and
occurs in somewhat drier habitats than the type variety. This relationship is
similar to that found in Drepanocladus aduncus and D. polycarpus. A recent
review of the morphology by L. Hedenäs of D. revolvens and D. intermedius
concluded that indeed intermedius was worthy of recognition as a species;
however, the correct name for this species is not intermedius, but rather
cossonii when placed in Scorpidium. He placed both ‘revolvens’ and ‘cossonii’ in
the genus Scorpidium. Scorpidium cossonii differs from S. revolvens by brownish-
green (not red) plant colouration, more profuse branching, smaller plants,
and especially leaf cell shape and size (oblong 14-95 µm) with blunt ends in S.
cossonii versus elongate (61-140 µm) with sharp ends in S. revolvens.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants ascending to erect, pinnately to irregularly branched, brownish-green.
Stems in transverse section with a weak central strand and enlarged epidermal
cells. Leaves concave, falcate-secund with spirally twisted, long acuminate
apices; costa ending in upper 2/3 of leaf; margins sparsely denticulate. Leaf
Cells oblong-elongate, 14-95 µm long, with blunt ends, smooth. Alar Cells
2-10, hyaline and inflated, forming groups in leaf angles.
HABITAT
Found on dry lawns and low hummocks in open rich fens.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Campylium stellatum, Tomentypnum nitens, and Scorpidium revolvens.

Scorpidium revolvens (Sw.) Rubers
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SCORPIDIUM REVOLVENS (SW.) RUBERS
KEY FEATURES
The reddish plants with dark costa, precisely spirally twisted leaf apices, and
differentiated alar cells serve to identify this species. Scorpidium scorpioides
has broader and shorter leaves and a shorter, narrower costa; Hamatocaulis
vernicosus has characteristically hooked leaves, a green colour and no alar
cells; while S. cossonii is brownish to green in colour, shorter, more blunt
leaf cells, and is usually more richly branched. In the arctic Pseudocalliergon
(Drepanocladus) brevifolius can be superficially similar, but has shorter leaves
and no enlarged stem cortex. Microscopically, the three species of Scorpidium
all have enlarged stem epidermal cells and a central strand.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants prostrate to ascending, reddish to purplish. Stems irregularly to
sparsely branched, in transverse section with enlarged epidermis and well-
developed central strand. Leaves densely packed, strongly falcate-secund,
with spirally twisted, long acuminate apices; costa single, ending in upper
2/3 of leaf, usually with some reddish colour or at least darker then lâmina;
margins faintly denticulate. Leaf Cells elongate-linear (14-95 µm long –
Hedenäs 1989), with pointed ends, smooth. Alar Cells 5-20, hyaline, inflated,
forming non-decurrent, angular groups.
HABITAT
Usually forming dense lawns and carpets in rich fens, especially
characteristically occurring above Scorpidium scorpioides and below
Campylium stellatum in extreme-rich fens.

Scorpidium scorpioides (Hedw.)

Limpr.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SCORPIDIUM SCORPIOIDES (HEDW.) LIMPR.
KEY FEATURES
The large, turgid plants and blunt falcate-secund leaves that lack a costa are
key features. All Drepanocladus (sensu lato) species have a strong single costa
as do both S. cossonii and S. revolvens.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants large, turgid, black to reddish-green, floating in water or growing
upright in loose carpets, mostly with a few irregular branches. Stems naked,
without a hyalodermis. Leaves ovate-lanceolate to ovate, broadly acute to
narrowly obtuse, falcate-secund, rather short and blunt overall; costa short
and double; margins entire. Leaf Cells elongate to linear, with blunt ends,
smooth. Alar Cells consisting of a few enlarged and hyaline cells at insertion.
HABITAT
Floats in pools of water, emergent from water, or forming dense, coarse
carpets at the edges of pools.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Often intermingled with Pseudocalliergon trifarium and Meesia triquetra.
Scorpidium scorpioides grows in the wettest areas of extreme-rich fens, with
Scorpidium cossonii and S. revolvens occurring in somewhat drier habitats.

Sphagnum contortum Schultz
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SPHAGNUM CONTORTUM SCHULTZ
KEY FEATURES
A species similar to S. subsecundum, S. contortum differs in having the stem
hyalodermis in 2-3 layers and small branch leaf pores - the pores of S.
contortum are less than half the distance between the fibrils, whereas in S.
subsecundum the pores occupy about the entire distance between the fibrils.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants medium sized, in dense mounds on lawns, orange-green, with a dense
capitulum and curved branches. Stems with a 2-3 layered hyalodermis. Leaves
1.2-2.0 mm long, ovate-lanceolate, tapering to truncate acute apex; stem
leaves 0.7-1.4 mm long, triangular-lingulate. Leaf Cells with numerous small
pores arranged along sides of hyaline cells (as a string of beads), green cells
trapezoidal, exposed more broadly on convex surface.
HABITAT
On wet lawns in site types transitional between rich and poor fens. More
common in subcontinental and oceanic areas; rare in Alberta.

Sphagnum fimbriatum Wils.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SPHAGNUM FIMBRIATUM WILS.
KEY FEATURES
This species has slender plants, capitula with a large apical bud, a pallid-green
colouration, and stem leaves that are rounded and fimbriate along most of the
margin. As a species of section Acutifolium, it has one-pendent branch shown
between capitulum arms. Sphagnum girgensohnii is larger and has stem leaves
fimbriate along a truncate apex. Two species in section Cuspidatum have lacerate
stem leaf margins: S. lenense and S. lindbergii - both have dark brown stems.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants slender, dirty to pallid green, with dense canopies, one pendent branch
visible between capitulum arms. Stems clear, with porose hyalodermis. Leaves
ovate-lanceolate, minutely truncate at apex; stem leaves broadly obovate,
obtuse, fimbriate across margin, without fibrils and pores. Leaf Cells with large
elliptic pores along sides of cells on convex surface, somewhat smaller, less
conspicuous, rounded pores in central part of cell on concave surface; green
cells triangular, exposed on concave surface.
HABITAT
Forming hummocks in transitional areas and in shrubby moderate-rich fens.
The mesotrophic habitats often associated with marginal and transititonal
areas are characteristic of this species. Also it sometimes forms quite large
hummocks in rich fens.

Sphagnum obtusum Warnst.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SPHAGNUM OBTUSUM WARNST.
KEY FEATURES
This species is troublesome, mainly because the definitive characters are hard
to recognize. My approach is that when I have plants with rather large, blunt
stem leaves (i.e., not S. fallax or S. angustifolium) and when I can find nearly no
pores in the upper part of the leaves, then I heavily stain and look for the very
small pseudopores in the lower part of the leaves, especially noticeable along
the lower marginal areas. The other key character is the long (linear-elongate)
lower hyaline cells. Additionally S. obtusum is a species of mesotrophic and
rich fen habitats, rare in oligotrophic poor fens.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants brownish-green to shiny-green, robust and stout, branch ends obtuse,
1-2 pendent branches visible between capitulum arms. Stems hyalodermis
not or only slightly enlarged, stem core colourless. Leaves ovate-lanceolate
and gradually narrowed to a narrowly truncate apex, margins somewhat wavy;
stem leaves oblong-triangular, obtuse and erose at apex, rather flat, without
fibrils and pores. Leaf Cells very long, especially in basal leaf area, with almost
no true pores or each with a small apical pore and 1-3 corner pores on both
surfaces in upper portion of leaf, lower portion of leaves with numerous very
small, pseudopores (membrane thinnings) in medial portion of cell and in 1-2
irregular rows - seen only with heavy staining.
HABITAT
This a species of mesotrophic habitats, seemingly present in transitional rich
fens and the most minerotrophic poor fens.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
In wet fens with S. teres and S. subsecundum, along with true mosses.

Sphagnum teres (Schimp.) C.Hartm.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SPHAGNUM TERES (SCHIMP.) C.HARTM.
KEY FEATURES
The distinctive stem leaves (see description below), are dark, often dirty stems
with a hyalodermis, and faintly papillose walls between the hyaline and green
cells of the branch leaves are differentiating characters. Also the large apical
bud and minerotrophic habitat are field characters. This species is usually quite
distinct from its sister species, S. squarrosum, but occasionally S. teres can have
squarrose leaves similar to the larger S. squarrosum (see photo below).
IDENTIFICATION
Plants forming loose mats, greenish to brownish, rather slender, with large
apical bud and one pendent branch visible between capitulum arms. Stems
with 2-3 layered hyalodermis, without fibrils and pores, usually with dark
core. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, apex narrowly truncate, erect or sometimes
with recurved apices; stem leaves long-lingulate; hyaline cells in body of
leaf undivided and without pores, in upper part leaf, marginal hyaline cells
divided and resorbed, forming delicate marginal fringe. Leaf Cells with 1-3,
large, irregular pores or gaps on convex surface, with distinct elliptic pores on
concave surface; green cells oval-trapezoidal to triangular, exposed more so on
convex surface, adjacent walls to hyaline cells very finely papillose.
HABITAT
Found in minerotrophic habitats such as floating mats around lakes, carpets,
and lawns of rich fens, and marginal fen laggs.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Sometimes intermixed with S. angustifolium in transitional poor fens. It occurs in
wetter habitats than does S. warnstorfii; however, in similar chemical conditions.
Photo: Jeremy Hartsock, Southern Illinois

University
Sphagnum squarrosum Crome

Sphagnum warnstorfii Russ.
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SPHAGNUM WARNSTORFII RUSS.
KEY FEATURES
Branch leaves of Sphagnum warnstorfii are distinguished by the very small,
strongly ringed pores on the convex surface of the upper hyaline cells of
the branch leaves. This character is best seen in branches of the capitulum;
however, hanging branches lower down the stem may not have these small
pores, and thus are not distinguishable from those of other species of the
section Acutifolium. Association with Tomentypnum nitens can be used to
suggest the identity of this species.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants slender, green to purplish-red, usually with flat-topped capitulum, and
one conspicuous pendent branch visible between capitulum arms. Stems with
non-porose hyalodermis, uncoloured to pinkish. Leaves branch leaves ovate-
acuminate, fimbriate at apex, clearly ranked and seriate; stem leaves long-
lingulate, without pores or fibrils. Leaf Cells green cells triangular, exposed
on convex surface, pores on convex surface along sides of cells, small and
strongly ringed in upper 1/3, larger below; on concave surface with few, large,
indistinct pores in center of cell.
HABITAT
Occurring in lawns and on low hummocks in rich fens of the boreal forest,
becoming less frequent northward and coastward.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Often associated with Tomentypnum nitens and Aulacomnium palustre. In rich
fens, as pH decreases above the water table, low hummocks and hummock
sides are often dominated by S. warnstorfii; however, high hummocks may
have S. fuscum.

Tomentypnum nitens (Hedw.) Loeske
HUMMOCK ARCTIC
LAWN N. BOREAL
CARPET S. BOREAL
POOL CONT — OC
PLAT FEN
pH
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

TOMENTYPNUM NITENS (HEDW.) LOESKE
KEY FEATURES
The costate, plicate, straight leaves with linear cells are diagnostic for this
common species of rich fens. Tomentypnum falcifolium is similar, but has
falcate-secund leaves; it occurs in poor fens. In arctic meadows Orthothecium
chryseum occurs, but is distinguished by ecostate leaves.
IDENTIFICATION
Plants erect, pinnately branched. Stems covered with tomentum of reddish
rhizoids. Leaves long-lanceolate, straight, acuminate to narrowly acute,
strongly plicate; costa strong and single, ending just below apex; margins
entire. Leaf Cells elongate-linear, thin-walled, smooth. Alar Cells not much
different, shorter, with thicker, nodose walls.
HABITAT
Grows on hummocks and raised areas in wooded to open rich fens and
calcareous tundra.
COMMON ASSOCIATES
Sphagnum warnstorfii, Aulacomnium palustre, and Campylium stellatum.
Occasionally associated with less frequent species such as Paludella
squarrosa and Helodium blandowii.

KEY TO SPECIES
Key to Species
1. Plants thalloid, without leaves Aneura pinguis (p. 54)
1. Plants with leaves 2
2. Leaves with upper cells similar in size and shape, sometimes different from lower cells,
but cells never having a reticulate network of alternating cell types; branches single or not
branched 3
2. Leaves with alternating large, clear cells and small dense cells, forming a reticulate
network; branches in fascicle (Sphagnum) 44
3. Leaves circular in outline, as wide as long, arranged in 2 or 3 ranks along stem 4
3. Leaves elliptic to lanceolate-ligulate, much longer than wide or with a border of elongate cells,
not in ranks along stem (True mosses) 8
4. Leaves folded along postical edge to form two lobes, the upper smaller than the lower
Scapania paludicola (p. 104)
4. Leaves simple, not folded 5
5. Leaves incubous (lower margins hidden by upper margins of the leaf above)
Calypogeia sphagnicola (p. 16)
5. Leaves overlapping and succubous (the upper margins hidden by lower margins of the leaf
above) or not overlapping and obliquely inserted 6
6. Leaves rounded at apex; cells with distinct corner thickenings (trigones)
Mylia anomala (p. 6)
6. Leaves bilobed with two sharp points; cells thin-walled without trigones 7
7. Plants large; leaves with reflexed margins; occurring in rich fens
Mesoptychia (Lophozia) rutheana (p. 88)
7. Plants tiny; leaves with erect margins; occurring among Sphagnum plants
Fuscocephaloziopsis (Cephalozia) connivens (p. 18)
8. Leaves with longitudinal folds 9
8. Leaves without longitudinal folds 11
9. Leaves straight, erect Tomentypnum nitens (p. 122)
9. Leaves curved (falcate) 10
10. Stems with reddish tomentum along one side Tomentypnum falcifolium (p. 50)
10. Stems naked, without tomentum Sanionia uncinata (p. 100)
11. Leaves multi-stratose, consisting of broad costa, overlapping laminae encasing vertical
lamellae; lower cells forming a clear, unistratose sheath Polytrichum strictum (p. 24)
11. Leaves unistratose, without lamellae; lower cells not forming clear sheath 12
12. Leaves stiffly squarrose-recurved, margins broadly reflexed Paludella squarrosa (p. 90)
12. Leaves erect to wide-spreading, margins erect to narrowly reflexed 13
13. Leaves erect, recurved, or wide-spreading 24
13. Leaves curved (falcate) - all in one direction 14
14. Costa very short and double, never extending beyond one-third of leaf length; leaves
ending in short, blunt point 15
14. Costa long and single, extending at least to mid-leaf; leaves long-acuminate
(Drepanocladus sensu lato) 17
15. Leaves complanate-secund Hypnum pratense (p. 82)
15. Leaves falcate-secund 16
16. Leaves lanceolate, acuminate; alar cells numerous, forming an inflated group of cells
Hypnum lindbergii (p. 80)


KEY TO SPECIES
16. Leaves broadly ovate-lanceolate, broadly acute to narrowly obtuse

Scorpidium scorpioides (p. 110)
17. Upper leaf margins entire 18
17. Upper leaf margins serrulate, sometimes minutely so with only 1-3 apical teeth 22
18. Alar cells forming distinct marginal groups; stems with central strand and small epidermal
cells 19
18. Alar cells not much different from basal cells, not forming distinct groups, at most 1-3
hyaline, inflated, fragile cells at basal margin; stems either without central strand or with
epidermis of larger cells compared to outer cortical cells 20
19. Alar cells thin-walled, hyaline, inflated Drepanocladus aduncus (p. 70)
19. Alar cells thick-walled, coloured, enlarged
Drepanocladus sordidus (Drepanocladus sendtneri in previous literature)
20. Leaves somewhat striate; alar cells not differentiated; stems without central strand
Hamatocaulis vernicosus (p. 76)
20. Leaves without any evidence of striations; alar cells 1-3, hyaline, inflated, fragile cells at
basal margins; stems with central strand 22
21. Plants green; cells at mid-leaf 14-95 µm long, with square to short-fusiform cell ends
Scorpidium cossonii (p. 106)
21. Plants reddish; cells at mid-leaf 61-140(-179) µm long, with short-to long-fusiform ends
Scorpidium revolvens (p. 108)
22. Stems 4-5 angled in transverse section due to long leaf decurrencies; stem leaves acute,
tips often bent downward Sarmenthypnum (Warnstorfia) tundrae (p. 102)
22. Stems round in transverse section; leaves not to shortly decurrent; stem leaves
acuminate, similar to branch leaves 23
23. Costa weak, ending one-half to two-thirds the distance up leaf length; alar cells gradually
enlarged Warnstorfia fluitans (p. 14)
23. Costa strong, ending in or just below apex; alar cells abruptly inflated
Warnstorfia exannulata (p. 36)
24. Stems with abundant, green, filamentous paraphyllia Helodium blandowii (p. 78)
24. Stems naked or with reddish tomentum of rhizoids 25
25. Upper leaf cells elongate-linear, mostly greater than (6)10:1 length:width ratio 26
25. Upper leaf cells rounded-quadrate to long-hexagonal, mostly (1)2-6:1 length:width ratio 36
26. Leaves blunt (rounded-obtuse), rarely with tiny apiculus 27
26. Leaves sharply pointed (acute to acuminate) 32
27. Costa long and single, ending in or just below apex of leaves 28
27. Costa short and more or less double and ending below mid leaf or single and ending about
midleaf 29
28. Alar cells abruptly inflated, forming conspicuous groups of hyaline, thin-walled cells; costa
ending at leaf apex Calliergon giganteum (p. 60)
28. Alar cells gradually enlarged, forming inconspicuous groups of coloured, thick-walled
cells; costa ending below leaf apex. Stramiergon (Calliergon) stramineum (p. 34)
29. Alar cells abruptly inflated to form groups of hyaline, thin-walled cells 30
29. Alar cells forming groups of firm-walled, often coloured cells 31
30. Leaves lingulate; stems with conspicuous hyalodermis; rare in peatlands
Calliergonella cuspidata (p. 64)
30. Leaves triangular to ovate; stems without hyalodermis; sporadic but locally abundant in
peatlands Calliergon richardsonii (p. 62)
31. Leaves ovate, about 1.0-1.5 times as long as wide; alar cells somewhat enlarged and oblong,
firm-walled; stems clear to brownish; plants unbranched
Pseudocalliergon (Calliergon) trifarium (p. 96)

KEY TO SPECIES
31. Leaves oblong-ovate, about 2.0 times as long as wide, with abruptly incurved upper margins;
alar cells short-oblong with thick, orange walls, in concave marginal groups; stems reddish;
plants abundantly branched Pleurozium schreberi (p. 20)
32. Costa double, very short to ending about midleaf 33
32. Costa long and single, ending in upper part of leaf 34
33. Leaves channelled in upper portion, gradually narrowed to apex from broadly ovate base; leaf
cells smooth; stems without paraphyllia Campylium stellatum (p. 66)
33. Leaves abruptly acuminate, appearing almost blunt; leaf cells prorulose; stems with abundant
paraphyllia Hylocomium splendens (p. 4)
34. Leaf bases channelled; alar cells in a distinct group; occurring in eutrophic marshes and
fens Drepanocladus (Campylium) polygamus (p. 72)
34. Leaf bases plane; alar cells gradually larger, grading to basal cells, occurring in rich fens
35
35. Plants large, unbranched or with a few branches; leaves 2.5-3.0 mm long; arctic and northern
in occurrence Brachythecium turgidum (p. 58)
35. Plants medium-sized, irregularly branched, leaves 1.7-2.3 mm long; boreal, occurring in rich
fens Brachythecium acutum (formerly B. mildeanum in North American literature)
36. Upper leaf cells papillose (with one large papilla), often irregularly thick-walled, rounded-
quadrate; stems with abundant reddish tomentum Aulacomnium palustre (p. 38)
36. Upper leaf cells smooth, mostly thin-walled, quadrate to long-hexagonal; stems without
reddish tomentum 37
37. Leaves bordered by 1-several rows of elongate cells 38
37. Leaves without a border of differentiated cells 40
38. Leaves ovate to oblong-ovate; upper cells 1-4:1 length:width ratio 39
38. Leaves ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate; upper cells 3-6:1 length:width ratio
Ptychostomum (Bryum) pseudotriquetrum (p. 98)
39. Leaves oblong-ovate; leaf cells 2-4:1 length width ratio, in oblique rows, with irregular walls
Pseudobryum cinclidioides (p. 94)
39. Leaves ovate to elliptic; leaf cells 1-2:1 length width ratio, in irregular rows, with evenly
thickened walls Plagiomnium ellipticum (p. 92)
40. Leaves ligulate, with recurved margins extending entire length of leaf
Meesia uliginosa (p. 86)
40. Leaves lanceolate to lanceolate-ovate, with plane leaf margins 41
41. Alar cells enlarged and forming well-defined, coloured groups; leaves transversely undulate,
serrate near apex Dicranum undulatum (p. 40)
41 Alar cells not differentiated; leaves not undulate, entire to serrulate 42
42. Upper leaf cells long-hexagonal Pohlia nutans (p. 22)
42. Upper leaf cells quadrate to oblong 43
43. Leaves decurrent, (1.5)2.5-4.0 mm long, margins serrulate; upper cells shortly rectangular
Meesia triquetra (p. 84)
43. Leaves not decurrent, 0.8-1.5 mm long, margins entire; upper cells quadrate
Catoscopium nigritum (p. 68)
44. Branch leaf apices blunt, hooded, cucullate; stem hyalodermis with fibrils
Sphagnum magellanicum (p. 30)
44. Branch leaf apices acuminate-truncate, open, concave, extreme apex appearing as if cut
with a pinking shears; outer later of stem hyaline and enlarged or not, without fibrils 45
45. Branch leaf hyaline cells with numerous (usually 1-2 between fibrils) pores arranged like
two strings of beads along sides of hyaline cells in contact with green cells; branch leaves
sometimes slightly curved 46

KEY TO SPECIES
45. Branch leaf hyaline cells with 1-many pores arranged in a variety of patterns, but not chained
along the cell sides; branch leaves straight 47
46. Branch leaf pores large, occupying full distance between fibrils; stem cortex unistratose
Sphagnum subsecundum (p. 52)
46. Branch leaf pores small, occupying about one-third to one-half of distance between fibrils;
stem cortex bistratose Sphagnum contortum (p. 112)
47. Green cells exposed on convex (dorsal) surface of leaves 48
47. Green cells exposed on concave (ventral) surface of leaves (Section Acutifolium) 57
48. Green cells very finely papillose on walls adjacent to hyaline cells
Sphagnum teres (p. 118)
48. Green cells smooth (Section Cuspidatum) 49
49. Most upper branch leaf cells with apical pore, additional pores restricted to cell corners or at
most one additional central subapical pore 50
49. Most upper branch leaf cells without apical pore, additional pores few to numerous, not in
contact with cell margins 56
50. Apical pores of branch leaves large, elliptic to elongate Sphagnum riparium (p. 32)
50. Apical pores of branch leaves small, round to triangular 51
51. Stems brown; stem leaves lacerate Sphagnum lindbergii (p. 28)
51. Stems green or colourless; stem leaves entire or fringed only at apex 52
52. Branch leaves with almost no pores in apical part of leaf 53
52. Branch leaves with apical pores on most cells in upper part of leaf 54
53. Lower portion of branch leaves having numerous, tiny, elliptic wall thinnings (pseudopores),
often in two indistinct rows Sphagnum obtusum (p. 116)
53. Lower portion of branch leaves without pseudopores (currently central and eastern Canada
only) (Sphagnum cuspidatum)
54. Stem leaves apiculate to acute Sphagnum fallax (p. 42)
54. Stem leaves blunt 55
55. Stem leaves triangular, small, widely spaced Sphagnum angustifolium (p. 26)
55. Stem leaves oblong, large, closely spaced Sphagnum balticum (p. 8)
56. Branch leaf hyaline cells without pores on convex surface, with numerous (up to 10) large,
unringed pores on concave surface Sphagnum majus (p. 46)
56. Branch leaf hyaline cells with numerous pores on convex surface, with 7-15 small, usually
ringed pores arranged in 1-2 rows Sphagnum jensenii (p. 44)
57. Stem leaves fimbriate in upper two-thirds Sphagnum fimbriatum (p. 114)
57. Stem leaves entire or with a apical notch 58
58. Branch leaf pores very small (one-half or less the width of the hyaline cell) and heavily
ringed in upper one-third of leaf Sphagnum warnstorfii (p. 120)
58. Branch leaf pores large (about one-half to two-thirds the width of the hyaline cell) and not
ringed (oligotrophic Acutifolia) 59
59. Stem and leaves brown Sphagnum fuscum (p. 12)
59. Stems and leaves colourless, red, or green 60
60. Stem leaves triangular-lanceolate, usually with some porose and fibrillose cells
Sphagnum capillifolium (p. 10)
60. Stem leaves lingulate, without porose and fibrillose cells 61
61. Stem hyalodermis with some porose cells Sphagnum russowii (p. 48)
61. Stem hyalodermis without porose cells (currently not reported from Alberta)
(Sphagnum rubellum)

LITERATURE CITED
Literature Cited
BFNA. 2007, 2014. Flora of North America North of Mexico. Vol. 27.
Bryophyta. Part 1 (2007). Vol. 28. Bryophyta. Part 2 (2014). Oxford University
Press, New York, NY.
Lüth, M. Bildatlas der Moose Deutschlands. (English version).

www.bildatlas-moose.de
Stotler, R.E. & B. Crandall-Stotler. 2017. A Synopsis of the Liverwort Flora of

North America, North of Mexico. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden
102: in press.
Vitt, D.H. 2014. A Key and Review of Bryophytes Common in North American
Peatlands. Evansia 31: 121-156.

GLOSSARY
Glossary
abaxial: of the side or surface of an organ, appendiculate: having short, thin transverse
facing away from the axis. projections, e.g. on the endostomial cilia of
the peristome.
acrocarpous: with the gametophore
producing the sporophyte at the end of the appressed: leaves lying close to or flat against
stem or main branch. Most acrocarpous the stem.
mosses grow erect in tufts, and they are not
archegonium (pl. archegonia): the female
or only sparsely branched.
gametangium; a multicellular, flask-shaped
acumen: a slender, tapering point with concave structure consisting of a stalk, a swollen base
sides. adj. acuminate. (venter) containing the egg, and a neck through
which the antherozoid swims to fertilize the egg.
acute: terminating in a distinct but not
protracted point, the converging edges arcuate: curved like a bow.
separated by an angle of 45–90°and with
areolate: with small angular areas forming a
straight sides.
network; the cellular pattern of the moss leaf is
adaxial: of the side or surface of an organ, often termed areolation.
facing towards the axis.
arista: the hard awn or bristle at the tip of a
air-pores: openings in the upper surface of leaf, usually formed by an excurrent costa.
complex thalloid liverworts composed of adj. aristate.
several concentric rings of cells.
arthrodontous: of a peristome, of triangular
alar cells: specialized cells at the basal angles or linear teeth/segments consisting of
of a moss leaf, often distinctive in their size, differentially thickened wall-pairs. The teeth/
shape, colour, or ornamentation. segments are formed of part cells, in contrast
to a nematodontous peristome in which they
annual: a plant that completes its life history
are formed of whole cells.
within one year.
ascending: sloping or curved upwards.
annular: shaped like a ring; leaves or branches
arranged in a circle. attenuate: tapering gradually.
annulus: one or more rings of specialized auricle: a small bulge or ear-like lobe at the
cells between the mouth of the capsule and basal margin of a leaf: adj. auriculate.
operculum, aiding in dehiscence.
autoicous: with male and female gametoecia
antheridium (pl. antheridia): the male on separate stems or separate branches of the
gametangium; a multicellular, stalked structure same plant.
with a jacket of sterile cells and producing large
awn: an arista or hairpoint, usually hyaline and
numbers of antherozoids (male gametes);
formed of a projecting costa.
globose to broadly cylindric in shape.
axil: the angle between the stem and any
anticlinal: oriented perpendicular (rather than
organ originating from it, e.g. a leaf or branch.
parallel) to the surface.
adj. axillary.
apical cell: a single cell at the apex of a shoot,
axillary hair: a hair originating in a leaf axil,
leaf, or other organ that divides repeatedly to
usually inconspicuous and often concealed by
produce new leaves, stems or other organs.
the leaf base.
apiculus: a short, abrupt point; adj. apiculate.
axis: the main stem; the conceptual line
around which leaves, branches and other
organs develop.

GLOSSARY
basal membrane: a delicate or robust caulonema: a secondary, bud-generating part

membrane at the base of the endostome, of the filamentous moss protonema, typically
often bearing segments and cilia. reddish-brown with few chloroplasts and
consisting of long cells with oblique end walls.
bilobed: forked into ±equal parts.
central strand: the column of elongated cells,
bistratose: consisting of two cell layers, e.g. a
sometimes with thicker walls, in the center of
leaf lamina two cells thick.
a stem.
border: of leaves a margin that is differentiated
cernuous: nodding or drooping.
in shape, size, colour or thickness.
channelled: of a leaf, hollowed out like a gutter
bract: one of the specialized leaves surrounding
and semicircular in transverse-section.
and protecting archegonia and/or antheridia,
especially used for leafy liverworts. chloronema: the filamentous part of the
protonema that contains chloroplasts.
bryophyte: a green plant with a gametophyte
generation that is free-living with a sporophyte cilia (sing. cilium): a delicate, hair-like or thread-
permanently attached; a collective name for like structure, usually one cell thick; adj. ciliate.
mosses, liverworts, and hornworts.
cladocarpous: having perichaetia terminal on
bulbil: a small deciduous, bulb-shaped, axillary, lateral branches with juvenile leaf development
vegetative propagule or rhizoidal gemma; often similar to that on vegetative branches.
with rudimentary leaves.
clavate: club-shaped.
bulbiform: bulb-shaped.
cleistocarpous: of a capsule, lacking an
caducous: falling readily or early. operculum and, therefore, opening irregularly.
caespitose: tufted, growing in dense cushions cochleariform: round and deeply concave, like
or turfs. the bowl of a spoon.
calcicolous: a plant that grows best in habitats collenchymatous: cells with walls that are
or on substrata with high levels of calcium. thickened at the corners.
calyptra (pl. calyptrae): a membranous or columella: the sterile, central tissues of a
hairy hood or covering that protects the moss capsule.
maturing sporophyte; derived largely from the
commissure: the margin of a hyaline cell which
archegonial venter.
adjoins that of a chlorophyllose cell in the
campanulate: shaped like a bell; here referring leaves of Sphagnum.
to a calyptra that is elongated and some-what
comose: stems tips with leaves that are larger
cylindric; a campanulate-cucullate calyptra is
and crowded into tufts.
split on one side only, whereas a campanulate-
mitrate calyptra is undivided or equally lobed complanate: a leafy shoot that is more-or-less
at the base. flattened into one plane.
capitulum (pl. capitula): a head-like mass of complicate: folded lengthwise.
crowded branches at the apex of the stem in complicate-bilobed: in liverworts leaves that
Sphagnum. are two-lobed due to being folded sharply at
capsule: the terminal, spore-producing part of the keel.
a moss sporophyte. concave: curving inward, in Sphagnum leaves
carinate: folded along the middle, like the keel the dorsal surface of leaf.
of a boat; V-shaped in transverse-section. concolorous: having the same colour.
conduplicate: folded lengthwise along the
middle.

GLOSSARY
constricted: abruptly narrowed. dentate: with teeth directed outward.

contracted: abruptly narrowed or shortened. denticulate: with fine teeth.
convex: curving outward, in Sphagnum the descending: directed gradually downward.
ventral surface of the leaf.
diaspore: an agent of dispersal; any structure
convolute: of leaves or bracts, rolled together that becomes detached from the parent plant
to form a sheath. and gives rise to a new individual.
cordate: heart-shaped, as in leaves attached at dichotomous: with two equal forks or branches.
the broad end.
dioicous: with archegonia and antheridia borne
cortex: the outermost layer or layers of on separate plants.
cells in a stem, often differentiated from the
diplolepideous: a form of arthrodontous
central strand.
peristome having two concentric rings of teeth,
corticolous: growing on bark. with the outer ring (exostome) derived from
thickening of the contiguous walls of the outer
costa (pl. costae): the thickened midrib or
and primary peristomial layers and the inner
nerve of a leaf; when present, can be single or
ring (endostome) derived from the thickening
double. adj. costate.
of the contiguous walls of the primary and
crenate: of a leaf margin, having rounded teeth. inner peristomial layers. One or both rings may
crenulate: of a leaf margin, having minute, be absent or reduced.
rounded teeth formed from bulging cell walls. distal: away from the base or point of
crisped (or crispate): wavy; often used loosely attachment.
to include curled, twisted, and contorted. distant: widely spaced, e.g. leaves with space
cucullate: hooded or in the shape of a hood; between adjacent leaves.
applied to leaves that are concave at the tips and distichous: leaves alternating in two opposite
to calyptrae that are conic and split up one side. rows on a stem, as in Fissidens.
cushion: a more-or-less hemispheric or divergent: spreading in opposite directions.
rounded moss colony, with stems generally
dorsal lamina: part of the leaf blade opposite
erect and tightly clustered but radiating
the sheathing base, at the back of the costa
somewhat to form a tuft.
and below the apical lamina in Fissidens.
cuspidate: ending in a stout, rigid point, like
dorsiventral: flattened with distinct upper and
a tooth.
lower surfaces.
cygneous: curved downards in the upper part
ecostate: lacking a costa.
like the neck of a swan.
ectohydric: having water transport
cymbiform: concave and boat-shaped.
essentially external by surface flow, including
decurrent: applied to the margins of leaves capillary motion between leaves or through
which extend down the stem, as ridges or surface papillae.
narrow wings, below the insertion of the leaf.
efibrillose: without fibrils.
decurved: curved downward.
elaters: sterile cells interspersed among spores
deflexed: bent downward. in a liverwort capsule.
dehiscent: of capsules, splitting open by means elliptical: having the shape of an ellipse, oblong
of an annulus, operculum or valves. but convex at the sides and ends.
dendroid: with the habit of a tree, branching emarginate: broad at the apex with a shallow
from a main stem. notch

GLOSSARY
emergent: partly exposed, as a capsule falcate: curved like a sickle.

only partly protruding from among the
falcate-secund: strongly curved and turned to
perichaetial leaves.
one side.
endostome: the inner ring of a diplolepideous
fascicle: a group, bunch, or tuft of branches,
peristome, formed from contiguous
e.g. in Sphagnum.
periclinal wall-pairs of the primary and and
inner peristomial layers; typically a weak fenestrate: pierced with broad openings
membranous structure consisting of a resembling windows.
basal membrane with cilia and segments; fibril: a fine, fiber-like wall thickening. adj.
homologous with the single peristome of fibrillose.
haplolepideous mosses.
filamentous: thread-like.
entire: with a smooth outline, not toothed
or lobed. filiform: slender and elongate, thread-like.
ephemeral: short-lived. fimbriate: fringed, generally eroded with

radiating cell walls of partly eroded marginal
epidermis: the outer layer of cells at the cells.
surface of an organ.
flaccid: soft and limp.
epiphragm: a circular membrane, positioned
horizontally over the capsule mouth of some flagelliform: whip-like; a branch with a gradual
mosses, attached to the tips of the peristome attenuation from ordinary leaves at the branch
teeth and partially closing the mouth of an base to vestigial-branched tip.
inoperculate capsule. flexuose: slightly bent, wavy, or twisted.
epiphyte: a plant that grows on the surface of foliose: leafy or leaflike; covered with leaves.
another plant.
fringed: with a short-ciliate margin or edge.
equidistant: regularly separated or spaced.
frond: the branched or leafy part of an erect
erect: of leaves, almost or quite parallel to the stem, including branches of a dendroid moss.
stem, but not appressed; of branches or stems, adj. frondose.
in a ±vertical position with respect to stem or
substratum; of capsules, upright. fugacious: quickly or readily falling or vanishing.
erect-patent: spreading at an angle of less fusiform: narrow and tapering at each end,
than 45°. spindle-shaped.
exannulate: lacking an annulus. gametoecium: a gametangium together with

its surrounding bracts.
excavate: hollowed out.
gametophore: the leafy moss gametophyte
excurrent: of a costa, extending beyond the plant developed from a protonema.
leaf apex.
gametophyte: the haploid, sexual generation;
exostome: the outer circle of the diplolepideous in bryophytes the free-living, dominant
peristome, consisting of teeth formed from generation.
contiguous periclinal wall-pairs of the outer
and primary peristomial layers; absent or gemma (pl. gemmae): uni- or multi-cellular,
rudimentary in the haplolepideous peristome. globose, clavate, filiform, cylindric, or discoid
structures, borne on the aerial part of the plant
exothecium: the epidermis or superficial layer and functioning in vegetative reproduction.
of cells (exothecial cells) of the capsule wall.
gemmiferous: bearing gemmae.
exserted: exposed, as in a capsule protruding
beyond the perichaetial leaves. geniculate: bent abruptly, as at the knee.

GLOSSARY
gibbous: swollen or bulging at one side. hypothysis (=apophysis): a differentiated

sterile neck at base of the capsule, between the
glabrous: smooth, not papillose, rough, or hairy.
seta and urn; sometimes swollen or expanded.
glaucous: bluish green in colour or with a
imbricate: closely appressed and overlapping.
grayish or whitish bloom.
immersed: submerged below the surface;
green cells: the small, linear, living cells of
immersed capsules occur below the tips of
Sphagnum leaves that alternate with large dead
the perichaetial leaves; immersed stomata
hyaline cells.
have guard cells that are sunken below the
guard cells: specialized photosynthetic cells surrounding exothecial cells.
bordering the stoma on the capsule wall of
inclined: applied to a capsule that is tilted
mosses an hornworts.
between the vertical and horizontal.
guide cells: large, rather thin-walled cells in
incrassate: thickened, or cells with thick walls.
the center of the costa, usually best seen in
transverse-section. incubous: in liverworts with leaves inserted
obliquely on the stem and when viewed from
gymnostomous: without a peristome, so that
the dorsal surface the distal leaf edges are
the mouth of the urn is naked.
visible and the proximal edges hidden beneath
habit: general appearance. the leaf below.
hairpoint: the hair-like and often colourless incurved: curved upward and inward; applied
leaf tip, formed from an excurrent costa or a to leaf margins and tips.
tapering of the leaf lamina.
inflated: swollen, puffed up.
haplolepideous: a form of arthrodontous
inflexed: bent upward (adaxially) and inward;
peristome having only one circle of teeth
applied to leaves, leaf margins and peristome
derived from thickening of the contiguous walls
teeth.
of the primary and inner peristomial layers.
innovation: a new shoot; in acrocarpous
Hepatic (=liverwort): a member of the Division
mosses a subfloral branch formed after
Hepaticophyta.
differentiation of the sex organs, usually from
hoary: grayish or whitish, appearing frosted the gynoecium base.
from numerous massed hairpoints.
inoperculate: lacking an operculum.
homomallous: pointing in the same direction.
insertion: a line or point of attachment of a leaf,
hornwort: a member of Division branch or peristome etc.
Anthocerotophyta.
intricate: tangled, interwoven.
hyaline: colourless and transparent;
involute: strongly rolled upward (adaxially) and
commonly used with reference to cells that
tightly inward; applied to leaf margins.
lack chloroplasts.
isodiametric: about as long as broad and
hyaline cells: The large dead cells of Sphagnum
having the same dimensions in all directions;
leaves and stems.
applied to square, rounded, or hexagonal cells.
hyalocyst: a large, hyaline, water-storage cell
julaceous: smoothly cylindric; applied to
in Sphagnum.
shoots with crowded, imbricate leaves.
hyalodermis: with the outer most cells of the
juxtacostal: the part of a leaf lamina adjacent
stem cortex of large, empty, colourless cells.
to the costa.
hypnoid: having a complete peristome.
lacerate: deeply and irregularly cut or torn.

GLOSSARY
laciniate: dissected into fine, deep, often monoicous: bisexual, having antheridia and
irregular divisions (laciniae); fringed with cilia. archegonia on the same plant; includes
autoicous, synoicous, and paroicous.
lamella (pl. lamellae): a longitudinal
chlorophyllose ridge or plate on the leaf blade monopodial: with the main stem having
of some mosses (e.g. Polytrichaceae); adj. unlimited growth, and giving rise to numerous,
secondary, lateral shoots or stems.
lamina (pl. laminae): the blade of a leaf
excluding the costa and leaf margin or border. mucro: a short, abrupt point at the apex of a
leaf (adj. mucronate), as in a leaf with a short-
laminal cell: any cell of the lamina.
excurrent costa; apiculate is somewhat longer.
lanceolate: shaped like the blade of a spear,
naked: lacking covering structures or
narrow and evenly tapered from near the
ornamentation; e.g. without hairs or papillae,
broader base.
referring to smooth, glabrous calyptra.
lax: soft or loose, commonly referring to a
neck: the sterile basal part of moss capsule; also
tissue of large, thin-walled cells as well as the
the cylindric upper part of an archegonium.
spacing of leaves.
nematodontous: of a peristome, consisting of
lid: operculum.
whole dead cells with ±evenly thickened walls,
ligulate: strap-shaped, with parallel sides and e.g. as in Polytrichaceae.
an abruptly tapered apex.
nodose: knotted, with small knob-like
limb: the upper part of the leaf, the lower part thickenings.
being the base.
ob-: a prefix indicating inversion, as in obovate.
limbidium: a leaf border or differentiated
oblate: wider than long.
margin in e.g. Fissidens.
oblong: rectangular but, when applied to
linear: very narrow and elongate, with the sides
leaves, usually rounded at the corners.
nearly parallel; narrower than ligulate.
obovate: with the profile of an egg, the broad
lingulate: tongue-shaped; broad with the
end distal.
sides ±parallel.
obtuse: broadly pointed, at an angle of
lumen (pl. lumina): the cavity of a cell.
greater than 90°; sometimes used loosely to
mammilla (pl. mammillae): a bulge on the indicate blunt.
surface of cell with a nipple-like tip. adj.
oil-bodies: Oil-containing structures in the cells
mammillose.
of most leafy liverworts.
mat: a densely interwoven, horizontal growth
operculum (pl. opercula): the lid covering
form.
the mouth of most moss capsules, becoming
median: central, in the middle; median leaf detached at maturity; usually separated from
cells are those in the upper middle of the the mouth by an annulus.
leaf or, in leaves with a costa, those located
ovate: with the profile of an egg, the base
between the margin and costa about two-
broader than the apex and about twice as long
thirds of the way up the leaf.
as wide.
merophyte: A primordal segment of a stem
papilla (pl. papillae): a minute, protuberance
that is produced by one of the cutting faces of
from the surface of a cell (especially of leaves
a apical cell -in liverworts all of the structures
and spores) of various forms, commonly
along one of three ranks of leaves are produced
domed or spinous, simple or branched.
from one merophyte.
mitrate: of a calyptra, conic, and undivided or
regularly lobed at the base.

GLOSSARY
paraphyllium (pl. paraphyllia): a small, green, peristome: a circular structure generally

filiform, lanceolate or leaf-like scale borne divided into 4, 8, 16 or 32 teeth arranged in
superficially on the stems between branches of single or double (rarely multiple) rows around
many pleurocarpous mosses. the mouth of the capsule and visible after
dehiscence of the operculum.
paraphyses (sing. paraphysis): sterile hairs
composed of uniseriate cells, coloured or piliferous: with a long hairpoint.
hyaline, associated with antheridia and
pinnate: with spreading branches on either
sometimes archegonia.
side of a stem, rather like a feather, bipinnate is
parenchyma: tissue of undifferentiated cells, when the branches are also branched.
usually isodiametric and thin-walled, usually
pitted: of a cell wall, having small depressions
not overlapping.
or pores.
paroicous: with antheridia and archegonia in
plane: flat, not curved or wavy, as in leaf
the same gametoecium but not mixed, the
margins.
antheridia immediately below the perichaetium
in the axils of leaves. pleurocarpous: having sporophytes produced
laterally on short, usually specialized
patent: used for leaves spreading at an angle of
branches rather than from the apex of the
about 45°.
main stem; mosses with stems usually
pellucid: clear, transparent, or translucent. prostrate, creeping and freely branched,
growing in mats rather than tufts.
pendant: drooping or hanging down.
plica: a lengthwise fold or pleat. adj. plicate.
percurrent: of a costa, extending up to, but
ceasing at the apex of a leaf. plumose: closely and regularly pinnate and
feathery in appearance.
perfect: a complete peristome; applied to
diplolepideous peristomes with an endostome polysety: having more than one sporophyte
having both segments and cilia. produced from a single gametoecium, each from
a separate archegonium with its own calyptra.
perianth: in leafy liverworts the tube-like
structure formed by the fusion of the pore: a pit or opening in a cell wall. adj. porose.
uppermost 2-3 leaves and protects the
process: the main divisions of a diplolepideous
developing sporophyte.
peristome (also called segments).
perichaetial leaf: a modified leaf surrounding
procumbent: prostrate, spreading.
the archegonia.
propagule: a reduced bud, branch, or leaf
perichaetium: the female gametoecium,
functioning in vegetative reproduction.
consisting of the sex organs and the
perichaetial leaves surrounding them. prorate: having a mammillose projection
formed by protusion of the end of a
periclinal: oriented parallel (rather than
prosenchymatous cell.
perpendicular) to the surface.
prosenchyma: a tissue consisting of narrow,
perigonial leaf: a modified leaf associated with
elongate cells with overlapping ends. adj.
and surrounding the antheridia.
prosenchymatous.
perigonium: the male gametoecium, consisting
prostrate: lying flat on ground; creeping.
of the sex organs and the perigonial leaves
associated with them. protonema (pl. protonemata): a filamentous,
globose, or thallose structure resulting from
spore germination and including all stages up
to production of one or more gametophores.

GLOSSARY
proximal: the end or part nearest to the base or rostrate: of an operculum, with an apical beak
place of origin. that is narrowed to a slender tip or point.
pseudoparaphyllium (pl. pseudoparaphyllia): rosulate: resembling a rosette, with leaves
green structures resembling paraphyllia, but enlarged and crowded at the tips of stems.
restricted to the bases of branches and branch
rugose: with irregular, roughly transverse
buds in some pleurocarpous mosses.
wrinkles or undulations; e.g. the leaves of
pseudopodium: the hyaline, haploid stalk that Neckera.
raises the sporophyte of Sphagnum and a few
saxicolous: growing on rock.
other mosses above the gametophore.
scabrous: rough.
pseudopore: a pore-like structure with a thin
membrane that is revealed by staining; e.g. in scale: in complex thalloid liverworts the
the hyalocysts of Sphagnum leaves membranous, coloured or hyaline appendage
on the ventral surface.
pulvinate: cushion-like.
secund: bent or turned to one side.
pyriform: pear-shaped.
segment: of a peristome, a single, tooth-like
quadrate: usually of cells, appearing square or
component of the endostome.
approximately so in two dimensions. frond.
seriate: in rows (uni-, bi-, tri- or multiseriate);
radiculose: covered with rhizoids.
applied either to adjacent rows of leaf cells, or
recurved: curved down (abaxially) and inward; to ranks of leaves on a stem.
in leaves referring to margins, apices, or
serrate: regularly toothed like a saw; leaves
marginal teeth; in the peristome, teeth curved
with marginal teeth pointing forward.
outward and ±downward.
serrulate: minutely serrate.
reflexed: bent down (abaxially) and inward;
generally referring to leaf margins or leaves of sessile: without a stalk, e.g. of sporophytes
a stem. with greatly reduced setae.
reniform: kidney-shaped. setaceous: bristle-like.
resorption: the digestion or erosion of cell walls sheathing: surrounding or clasping a stem,
in the leaves of some species of Sphagnum. seta, or capsule.
reticulate: forming a network. shoulder: the distal part of the leaf base
where it is abruptly narrowed to the upper
retort cells: cortical cells in some species of
lamina or limb.
Sphagnum, with a downwardly projecting neck
ending in a pore. sigmoid: S-shaped.
retuse: a slight indentation or notch in a broad, sinuose: having a wavy wall or margin.
rounded apex. sinus: a gap between two lobes of a leaf.
revolute: of leaf margins, rolled downward spathulate: having the shape of a spatula,
(abaxially) and backward. narrow below and gradually broadening above.
rhizoid: a hair-like structure that anchors a spinose: having sharply pointed teeth.
moss to the substratum; multicellular with
oblique cross walls, without chlorophyll, often spinulose: with minutely sharply pointed teeth.
pigmented, and sometimes clothing the stem. spore: a minute, usually spheric, haploid cell
rhombic: diamond-shaped. produced in the capsule as a result of meiosis;
its germination gives rise to the protonema.
rhomboidal: longer and narrower than
rhombic, oblong–hexagonal.

GLOSSARY
sporophyte: the spore-bearing generation; systylious: of a capsule, the operculum remains

initiated by the fertilization of an ovum; attached to the tip of the columella after the
consists of foot, seta, and capsule; attached to capsule has opened.
and partially dependent on the gametophyte.
terete: smoothly cylindric, round in
spreading: of leaves inserted at 46–90° to the transverse-section.
stem; said to be widely spreading when close
tetrahedral: a four-faced cell or spore.
to 90°.
theca (pl. thecae): the spore-bearing part of a
squarrose: of leaves, spreading at right angles
moss-capsule.
to the stem.
tomentum: a felt-like or woolly covering
squarrose-recurved: spreading at right angles,
composed of abundant rhizoids or paraphyllia
with the tips curved downwards.
on some stems, rarely on leaves. adj. tomentose.
stegocarpous: a capsule with a differentiated,
trabecula (pl. trabeculae): projecting cross-bars
dehiscent operculum.
formed from the horizontal walls on either face
stereid: a slender, elongate cell with very thick of arthrodontous exostome teeth; also strands
walls present in groups (stereid bands) in the of cells bridging spaces within some capsules.
costa and stem of many mosses.
transerve: across the main axis of an object,
stolon: a slender, elongate branch with leaves with leaf insertion 90° to the stem.
that are often smaller and have a different shape
trigone: triangular intracellular wall thickenings
to those of the main stem. adj. stoloniferous.
found in the corners of three adjacent cells.
stoma (pl. stomata): a pore surrounded by two
truncate: cut off abruptly or squarely at the
guard cells; in mosses restricted to the neck of
apex.
the capsule.
tuber: a gemma borne on rhizoids, usually
stratose: in layers; denoting the thickness of
underground.
leaves, i.e. uni-,bi- or multistratose.
tuft: a growth form with stems erect but
stria (pl. striae): a fine line or ridge. adj. striate.
radiating at the edges and forming small
striolate: very finely ridged. cushions.
struma: a cushion-like swelling at one side of tumid: swollen or inflated.
the base of a capsule. adj. strumose.
turf: a growth form with stems erect, parallel
subula: a long, slender, needle-like point. and close together and forming rather
extensive patches.
succubous: in liverworts with leaves inserted
obliquely on the stem and appearing as shingles turgid: swollen or plump.
on a roof – when viewed from the dorsal surface
uncinate: hooked; with the tip bent to form
the proximal leaf edges are visible and the distal
a hook.
edges hidden beneath the leaf above.
underleaf: leaves on the ventral surface of a
superficial: of stomata, having the guard cells in
stem in liverworts and some mosses, usually
the same plane as the adjacent exothecial cells.
in rows and modified in size and shape leaf
sympodial: having a main stem of determinate compared to other leaves.
growth, and further growth by innovations or
underlobe: in liverworts the ventral portion of a
lateral branches.
leaf in complicate-bilobed species.
synoicous: having antheridia and archegonia
undulate: wavy.
mixed in the same gametoecium.
urn: the spore-bearing part of the capsule.

GLOSSARY
vaginant: one of two clasping leaf laminae in weft: a loosely interwoven growth, often
Fissidens spp.; the adaxial part of the leaf that somewhat ascending.
sheathes the stem and encloses the base of the
whorled: arranged in a ring or circle.
leaf above it.
Wide-spreading: of leaves, spreading from the
vermicular: worm-like; long narrow and curving.
stem at a wide angle (less than 90°).
verticillate: whorled.
xerophyte: a plant that is adapted for survival
in arid places. adj. xerophytic.
*Modified and expanded from: Ramsay, H.P. 2006. Flora of Australia Glossary. Mosses. Volume 51.
Published by Australian Biological Resources Study/CSIRO Publishing, Canberra.

INDEX
Index
SCIENTIFIC NAME PEATLAND TYPE PAGE
Aneura pinguis (L.) Dum. RICH FENS 54
Aulacomnium palustre (Hedw.) Schwaegr. BOGS, POOR FENS, AND RICH FENS 38
Brachythecium acutum (Mitt.) Sull. RICH FENS 56
Brachythecium turgidum (Hartm.) Kindb. RICH FENS 58
Calliergon giganteum (Schimp.) Kindb. RICH FENS 60
Calliergon richardsonii (Mitt.) Kindb. RICH FENS 62
Calliergonella cuspidata (Hedw.) Loeske RICH FENS 64
Calypogeia sphagnicola (H.Arnell et J.Perss.) BOGS AND POOR FENS 16
Warnst. et Loeske
Campylium stellatum (Hedw.) C.Jens. RICH FENS 66
Catoscopium nigritum (Hedw.) Brid. RICH FENS 68
Dicranum undulatum Brid. BOGS, POOR FENS, AND RICH FENS 40
Drepanocladus aduncus (Hedw.) Warnst. RICH FENS 70
Drepanocladus (Campylium) polygamus RICH FENS 72
(Schimp.) Hedenäs
Drepanocladus sordidus (C.Muell.) Hedenäs RICH FENS 74
Fuscocephaloziopsis (Cephalozia) connivens BOGS AND POOR FENS 18
(Dicks.) Váňa et Söderstr.
Hamatocaulis vernicosus (Mitt.) Hedenäs RICH FENS 76
Helodium blandowii (F.Weber et D.Mohr) RICH FENS 78
Warnst.
Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) Schimp. BOGS 4
Hypnum lindbergii Mitt. RICH FENS 80
Hypnum pratense (Rabenh.) Spruce RICH FENS 82
Meesia triquetra (Richt.) Ångstr. RICH FENS 84
Meesia uliginosa Hedw. RICH FENS 86
Mesoptychia (Lophozia) rutheana (Limpr.) RICH FENS 88
L.Söderst. et Váňa
Mylia anomala (Hook.) S.Gray BOGS 6
Paludella squarrosa (Hedw.) Brid. RICH FENS 90
Plagiomnium ellipticum (Brid.) T.Kop. RICH FENS 92
Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt. BOGS AND POOR FENS 20
Pohlia nutans (Hedw.) Lindb. BOGS AND POOR FENS 22
Polytrichum strictum Brid. BOGS AND POOR FENS 24
Pseudobryum cinclidioides (Hueb.) T.Kop. RICH FENS 94

INDEX
SCIENTIFIC NAME PEATLAND TYPE PAGE

Pseudocalliergon (Calliergon) trifarium (F.Weber RICH FENS 96
et D.Mohr) Loeske
Ptychostomum (Bryum) pseudotriquetrum RICH FENS 98
(Hedw.) D.T.Holyoak et N.Pedersen
Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske RICH FENS 100
Sarmenthypnum (Warnstorfia) tundrae (Arn.) RICH FENS 102
Hedenäs
Scapania paludicola Loeske et K.Muell. RICH FENS 104
Scorpidium cossonii (Schimp.) Hedenäs RICH FENS 106
Scorpidium revolvens (Sw.) Rubers RICH FENS 108
Scorpidium scorpioides (Hedw.) Limpr. RICH FENS 110
Sphagnum angustifolium (Russ.) C.Jens. BOGS AND POOR FENS 26
Sphagnum balticum (Russ.) C.Jens. BOGS 8
Sphagnum capillifolium (Ehrh.) Hedw. BOGS 10
Sphagnum contortum Schultz RICH FENS 112
Sphagnum fallax (Klinggr.) Klinggr. POOR FENS 42
Sphagnum fimbriatum Wils. RICH FENS 114
Sphagnum fuscum (Schimp.) Klinggr. BOGS 12
Sphagnum jensenii H.Lindb. POOR FENS 44
Sphagnum lindbergii Lindb. BOGS AND POOR FENS 28
Sphagnum magellanicum Brid. BOGS AND POOR FENS 30
Sphagnum majus (Russ.) C.Jens. POOR FENS 46
Sphagnum obtusum Warnst. RICH FENS 116
Sphagnum riparium Ångstr. BOGS AND POOR FENS 32
Sphagnum russowii Warnst. POOR FENS 48
Sphagnum subsecundum Sturm POOR FENS AND RICH FENS 52
Sphagnum teres (Schimp.) C.Hartm. RICH FENS 118
Sphagnum warnstorfii Russ. RICH FENS 120
Straminergon (Calliergon) stramineum (Brid.) BOGS AND POOR FENS 34
Hedenäs
Tomentypnum falcifolium (Nichols.) Tuom. POOR FENS 50
Tomentypnum nitens (Hedw.) Loeske RICH FENS 122
Warnstorfia exannulata (Schimp.) Loeske BOGS AND POOR FENS 36
Warnstorfia fluitans (Hedw.) Loeske BOGS 14


BRI Field Guide Mosses Liverworts Alberta Peatlands

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A Guide to Mosses

Dale H. Vitt (text)

Michael Lüth (photographs)

Publisher: NAIT Boreal Research Institute

Editors: Jeannine Goehing, Bin Xu

Design and Layout: NAIT Marketing and Communications

Information in this publication originally published in ‘A Key and Review of Bryophytes

ii A GUIDE TO MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS OF ALBERTA PEATLANDS

SPECIES OF BOGS AND POOR FENS

SPECIES OF BOGS, POOR FENS, AND RICH FENS

SPECIES OF POOR FENS

SPECIES OF POOR FENS AND RICH FENS

BOREAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE 1

SPECIES OF RICH FENS

KEY TO SPECIES 124

2 A GUIDE TO MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS OF ALBERTA PEATLANDS

BOREAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE 3

Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.)

4 A GUIDE TO MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS OF ALBERTA PEATLANDS

Ptilium crista-castrensis (Hedw.) DeNot.

BOREAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE 5

Mylia anomala (Hook.) S.Gray

6 A GUIDE TO MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS OF ALBERTA PEATLANDS

BOREAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE 7

Sphagnum balticum (Russ.) C.Jens.

8 A GUIDE TO MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS OF ALBERTA PEATLANDS

BOREAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE 9

Sphagnum capillifolium (Ehrh.) Hedw.

Photo: Jeremy Hartsock, Southern Illinois

10 A GUIDE TO MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS OF ALBERTA PEATLANDS

BOREAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE 11

Sphagnum fuscum (Schimp.) Klinggr.

12 A GUIDE TO MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS OF ALBERTA PEATLANDS

BOREAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE 13

Warnstorfia fluitans (Hedw.) Loeske

14 A GUIDE TO MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS OF ALBERTA PEATLANDS

BOREAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE 15

Calypogeia sphagnicola (H.Arnell et

Photo: Jan-Peter Frahm, Moose Deutschland

16 A GUIDE TO MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS OF ALBERTA PEATLANDS

BOREAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE 17

18 A GUIDE TO MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS OF ALBERTA PEATLANDS

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Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt.

20 A GUIDE TO MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS OF ALBERTA PEATLANDS

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Pohlia nutans (Hedw.) Lindb.

22 A GUIDE TO MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS OF ALBERTA PEATLANDS

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Polytrichum strictum Brid.

24 A GUIDE TO MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS OF ALBERTA PEATLANDS

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Sphagnum angustifolium (Russ.)

Photo: Jeremy Hartsock, Southern Illinois University

26 A GUIDE TO MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS OF ALBERTA PEATLANDS

BOREAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE 27

Sphagnum lindbergii Lindb.

28 A GUIDE TO MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS OF ALBERTA PEATLANDS

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