Bog Haircap Moss

Description:

A close up of the bog haircap moss from my previous lichen spotting. Bog haircap moss is abundant and a mainstay of Sphagnum bogs and other moist woodland habitats. This particular cluster was in a moist forested area. Bog haircap moss is considered a nominate species for the restoration of decimated peat bogs. It stops frost heaving and has other beneficial properties but more research needs to be done on whether it helps or hinders Sphagnum growth.

Habitat:

Polytrichum strictum is found throughout Canada, the northern half of the United States, Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, northern Europe and Asia, as well as Antarctica and the southern half of South America.