Characteristic Plants Mossy Bog Mat These plants are frequently found in this community type. Those with an asterisk are State Rank S4 often diagnostic of this community. in this peatland setting. Vascular plants Dwarf Shrub Community Description generally contribute <25% cover. Black crowberry The bryophyte layer is the most obvious Dwarf huckleberry component of this peatland type. A Similar Types Leatherleaf* dense and usually very wet layer of peat This is the only vegetation type in which Pale laurel mosses contributes most of the cover. bryophytes form the major continuous Small cranberry Low herbs and stunted shrubs are vegetation layer. Sedge - Leatherleaf Fen Herb often scattered across the moss lawn, Lawns, Low Sedge - Buckbean Fen Lawns, Mossy Bog Mat Horned bladderwort but usually form <25% cover overall. and Leatherleaf Boggy Fens can all have Pitcher plant Characteristic vascular plant species similar vascular plant species, but will on public lands and private conservation Round-leaved sundew Bog Moss Lawn include leatherleaf, bog rosemary (very have the vascular plants more strongly lands. Impoundment or draining would Tawny cotton-grass dwarfed), horned bladderwort, small dominant (typically >50% cover). have negative impacts on bog hydrology White beak-rush cranberry, and white beak-rush. The and consequently on the vegetation. Bryoid most typical bryophytes are Sphagnum Conservation, Wildlife, and Slow vegetation growth rates, due to the Bog-mat liverwort cuspidatum and bog-mat liverwort. Management Considerations nutrient-poor environment, result in slow Mylia liverwort This community type is well represented recovery from physical disturbances, such Sphagnum mosses* Soil and Site Characteristics in Maine and has been subject to few as recreational trail use. If disturbance, Bog Moss Lawns occur within raised threats to date. Several examples occur such as foot traffic or logging access, Associated Rare Animals bogs and fens, typically in the wettest is a necessity, traversing during frozen Quebec emerald areas such as bog pools, boggy pond Location Map conditions or using boardwalks can margins, and water tracks. They may minimize impacts. form extensive areas on the higher areas Examples on Conservation of raised bogs. The substrate is highly Several rare dragonflies may be found Lands You Can Visit acidic (pH ~ 4.0). in this community. Very wet locations • Crystal Bog Preserve – Aroostook Co. with abundant inundated peat moss may • Great Heath Public Lands – Diagnostics host a number of uncommon damselflies Washington Co. A carpet of bryophytes, mostly and dragonflies including the Quebec • Number Five Bog Public Lands Sphagnum mosses, is the main feature emerald, zigzag darner, subarctic darner, – Somerset Co. incurvate emerald, and delicate emerald. • Wiggins Brook, Squaw Mountain Sites in northwestern Maine may include Public Lands – Piscataquis Co. the bog fritillary butterfly, which uses small cranberry as its larval host plant.

Distribution Statewide, mostly from central Maine northward (New England - Adirondack and Laurentian Mixed Forest Provinces). Presumably extends westward, northward, and eastward from Maine.

Landscape Pattern: Small Patch Small Cranberry Sphagnum Mosses Maine Natural Areas Program