Sphagnum

Sphagnum centrale is most similar to S. alaskense but seems to have no range overlap with that species and is also considerably more minerotrophic. In the field it lacks the often reddish tinge of S. palustre and is larger than S. affine. See also discussion under 2. S. alaskense and 9. S. papillosum.

Plants moderate-sized to robust, capitulum compact and well rounded in open-grown forms, lax to somewhat compact; green in shade forms to golden yellow to golden brown in open-grown forms, occasionally with a pinkish tinge; lawns, loose low hummocks to larger, ± firm hummocks. Stems pale brown to brown, superficial cortical cells with spiral reinforcing fibrils clearly visible, 2 pores or more per cell, comb-fibrils lacking on interior wall. Stem leaves to 1.2-2.2 × 0.8-1 mm; rarely hemiisophyllous; hyaline cells non-ornamented, rarely septate, comb-lamellae absent. Branches tapering, leaves spreading to somewhat imbricate. Branch fascicles with 2 spreading and 1-2 pendent branches. Branch stems with cortical cells non-ornamented, no or weak funnel-like projections on the interior end walls, often with large round pores on the superficial walls. Branch leaves broadly ovate, to 1.7 × 1.5 mm; hyaline cells non-ornamented, convex surface with elliptic to rarely round pores along the commissures; chlorophyllous cells lenticular to narrowly elliptical in transverse section, narrowly exposed on both ends, but more so on concave surface, end walls thickened at both ends. Sexual condition dioicous. Capsule with inconspicuous pseudostomata. Spores 23-30 µm; surface finely roughened to smooth; laesura on proximal surface more than 0.5 spore radius.

Sphagnum palustre subsp. intermedium Russow; S. subbicolor Hampe

Sphagnum centrale is a species of moss belonging to the family Sphagnaceae.

It has cosmopolitan distribution. It is often found in cedar swamps and similar environs. It has a pale green color common to all the Sphagnum subgenus mosses but, unlike other common members of the subgenus like Sphagnum magellanicum, it will never be red and rarely brown.