Baltic bog moss  (Sphagnum balticum)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Range

It has been recorded from seven different and widely scattered sites in the UK, and it seems it has disappeared from four of these. In England there are three recorded sites, in Cheshire (from where it has not been seen for over a century), Yorkshire (not seen in recent years) and Northumberland, which is the only current site in England. The only known Welsh site is in Ceredigion (Cardiganshire), and it has not been seen here since 1967. In Scotland, it is recorded in Aberdeenshire, Dumfriesshire and Abernethy Forest in Inverness-shire but, here too, it has disappeared from two sites.

Outside of the UK, it has an extensive range across the lowlands of the northern hemisphere, although it is confined to the more northerly latitudes.

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

Baltic bog moss, as its name suggests, is found in raised bogs holding water containing few nutrients. Occasionally, it is also found in blanket bogs.

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