BFNA | Family List | Sphagnaceae | Sphagnum

Taxon in Process: Sphagnum Species D

Plants moderate-sized to large, weak-stemmed; yellow to golden brown: capitulum flat-topped and often 5-radiate. Stems pale brown; superficial cortex of weakly differentiated. Stem leaves elongate-triangular, 0.9--1.5 mm, mostly appressed to stem; apex sharply acute; hyaline cells efibrillose and nonseptate. Branches short and fairly blunt to long and tapering; frequently 5-ranked; leaves substantially elongated at ends of branches. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and 1--2 pendent branches. Branch stems green with cortex enlarged with conspicuous retort cells. Branch leaves ovate-lanceolate; 1.8--2.3 mm; straight to somewhat subsecund, when dry slightly undulate and weakly recurved; margins entire; hyaline cells on convex surface with 1 pore per cell at cell apex, on concave surface with round wall thinnings in cell ends and angles; chlorophyllous cells triangular in transverse section and very well-enclosed on concave surface. Sexual condition unknown. Spores unknown.

Pool margins and depressions in acidic blanket mires as well as depressions and carpets in other poor fen habitats; B.C.

Sporophytes are unknown. Although we have not seen this species in the field, it should be separable from S. majus, the only other large, aquatic species of sect. Cuspidata in its range by traits of stem leaves and its color. Sphagnum sjoersianum has sharply pointed stem leaves whereas those of S. majus are generally somewhat rounded. Sphagnum majus is also typically a much darker brown.