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SPHAGNUM MOSS

NOMENCLATURE

Other Names:

Scientific Name: Sphagnum spp.

 Plant Family: Sphagnaceae

GENERAL INFORMATION

Botanical Description: More than 20 species of this herbaceous moss grow in the Midwest. For practical purposes, no distinctions are necessary.

 Stems: small, connecting one hummock to others, reaching no more than 4 inches high

 Leaves: light green to purplish, tiny, succulent, may be slightly toothed, growing in tufts, hair-like

 Roots: extremely shallow

 Flowers: light green

 Seeds:

Seedling:

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

Produces an organic acid which helps maintain acidity in bogs. May become a serious weed problem in cranberry marshes.

LIFE CYCLE

Reproduction: perennial

 Propagation:

Dispersal:

DISTRIBUTION

State: Common in moist soils and shady woodlands throughout Wisconsin.

 National: Found in many acidic soils in the continental U.S.

 Origin:

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Most common in highly acidic, low pH soils. Found in wetlands adjacent to cranberry marshes.

SCOUTING PROCEDURE/ET

While scouting a cranberry bed for disease and insect pests, identify weed populations as they arise. Note the specie(s) of weed present as well as the population level relative to field area. Example: 10% sphagnum moss, 20% boneset and joe-pye weed mix.

REFERENCES

Kummer, L. D., T. G. Dittl, and T. D. Planer. 1993. Wisconsin Cranberry Weeds. Wisconsin Cranberry Board, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. p. 17.

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