Learning the language of moss
Learning the language of...
Sphagnum capillifolium
An extraordinarily important bog former.
Habitat
It’s a classic peatland species, thriving in acidic, waterlogged conditions: raised bogs, moorland, and wet heath. It prefers drier microhabitats within bogs, forming the hummocks that give structure to the bog’s surface. It can be replaced by S. rubellum, but is more widespread in the north of Ireland.
How to recognise
This moss forms compact, rounded cushions with tightly packed shoots. The capitula (the shoot tips) are convex and often tinged with red or pink, giving the hummocks a recognisable wine-red tint. The name “capillifolium” means “hair-leaved,” referring to its slender, tapering branch leaves. These leaves curve neatly inward, and the spatula shaped stem leaves are larger than those of S. rubellum. It’s an important species for peat formation and carbon storage.