Peat mosses (Sphagnum) in Texas

The vision of Texas as a land of cattle and oil fields would seem to preclude the addition of peat-mosses to the discussion. However, Sphagnum is one of the largest genera of bryophytes in the state. The overall goal of this project is to update and clarify the species composition and distribution of this very unique genus of plants within the state. Stay tuned for more details, and images, of Texas peat-mosses.

A current list of taxa within the genus is provided below. This is a tentative “working-list” of species reported to occur in the state.

Section Acutifolia - Sphagnum molle Sull.

Section Cuspidata - Sphagnum recurvum P. Beauv.

Section Isocladus - Sphagnum macrophyllum Bernh. ex Brid.

Section Sphagnum - Sphagnum affine Ren. & Card.; Sphagnum magellanicum Brid.; Sphagnum palustre L.; Sphagnum perichaetiale Hampe; Sphagnum portoricense Hampe

Section Subsecunda - Sphagnum cyclophyllum Sull. & Lesq.; Sphagnum lescurii Sull.; Sphagnum microcarpum Warnst.