Sphagnum compactum Compact Bog-moss

An autoicous bog-moss which forms dense cushions or mats on wet heaths and in marshy grasslands, often as a flat, compact surface at ground level and usually in quite open situtions where there is some bare ground. It is green but sometimes has a subtle mix of pastel brown, orange and yellow. Stems are black and the very small, triangular stem leaves point upwards. It has a scattered western and northern distribution in Britain but it is relatively uncommon in much of Wales and England. There are scattered records from heathland and marshy grassland in West Glamorgan, but overall it is rather scarce in the county. Sporophyte capsules are frequent in summer.