Flat-topped Bog-moss - Sphagnum fallax

Variable in colour from green to mustard coloured, growing in loose carpets. The spreading branches are clearly differentiated from the weak, whitish pendant branches lying against the stem, which is pale. The stem leaf is triangular with a minutely pinched apex, creating a sharp tip. 

It is in the Section Cuspidata, characterised by stem-leaves that are usually hanging, branch leaves that are usually narrow and occasionally brownish or orangey colours, but never reddish.  Formerly within the Sphagnum recurvum species aggregate. 

Detailed photographs taken in the field and from a specimen.  We recommend that a detailed note of location or GPS reading is made and that a small specimen - e.g. two or three shoots - is retained in case this is needed for verification; all Sphagnum are rare or scarce in VC55 and should not be over-collected.

fens, swamps, flushes, ditches etc.

All year round.

Common and widespread in Britain.

Occasional

https://www.britishbryologicalsociety.org.uk/learning/species-finder/sphagnum-fallax/