Sphagnum palustre L.

Sphagnum palustre L. (synonym: Sphagnum cymbifolium), commonly called prairie sphagnum or blunt-leaved bogmoss, is a species of peat moss in the genus Sphagnum, family Sphagnaceae.

Water Absorption Trait

Like other Sphagnum mosses, its elastic spiral fibers allow it to absorb up to 30 times its own dry weight in water.

General Distribution

This species is quite common and distributed across almost the entire world.

Preferred Habitats

It mainly grows in wet forests, and compared to other species in its genus, it rarely grows in moors.

Global Range

Across its global range, S. palustre is found throughout all of Europe, as well as in parts of America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Habitat Specifics

It grows in moist and wet habitats including wet forests (often coniferous forests) and marshy meadows, and rarely occurs in moors.

Growth Form and Associated Species

It frequently forms large, sometimes bulge-shaped carpets, and is often found growing alongside Sphagnum fimbriatum, Sphagnum subnitens, and Sphagnum squarrosum.

Invasive Status in Hawaii

S. palustre is an invasive species invading native habitat at Ka'ala, O'ahu, Hawai'i.

Introduction History

It became established after a botanist brought a sample to the island in 1960.

Reproduction and Spread

While the local environment does not support sexual spore reproduction for this species, it can spread via vegetative reproduction, and currently occupies an estimated area of 17.3 acres.

Eradication Challenges

Coordinated efforts to eradicate the invasive population have been difficult.

Climate Tolerance

Prairie sphagnum is among the few Sphagnum species with a wide distribution that extends into warm-temperate zones; most Sphagnum species are restricted to cold regions.

British Isles Distribution

Within the British Isles, S. palustre is found across the whole archipelago.

Distribution in Southern Britain and Ireland

It is less frequent in the area just north of London extending west to Bristol, and occurs in scattered patches in the Republic of Ireland.

Distribution in Northern and Island Regions

It is widespread across Scotland, Wales, Orkney, Shetland, and the Isle of Man, and can also be found on the Scilly Isles.

Mossclone Project Use

Sphagnum palustre has a documented use in the European Union's Mossclone project, part of the EU's 7th framework program.

Air Quality Monitoring Application

In this project, S. palustre is multiplied in moss bioreactors to create a tool for monitoring air quality across Europe.