Sphagnum papillosum
Combs Moss
This common Sphagnum is described in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
It is widespread on boggy moorland in the Dark Peak.
It is widespread on boggy moorland in the Dark Peak.
Sphagnum palustre
Brampton Moor, Eastern Moors
This common Sphagnum is described in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
Sphagnum medium (syn. S.magellanicum)
image coming soon!
This species is very rare in Derbyshire and currently known from just a few sites, all in the High Peak and Eastern Moors. I've described it in the Mosses of other areas of Scotland section of the site.
Sphagnum divinum (syn. S.magellanicum)
Combs Moss, Buxton
This species is very rare in Derbyshire and currently known from just a few sites, all in the High Peak and Eastern Moors. I've described it in the Mosses of other areas of Scotland section of the site.
Sphagnum squarrosum
below Stanage Edge
This common Sphagnum is described in the Mosses of Ben Lawers section of the site. In Derbyshire, it is a frequent sight in wet woodland and by springheads, but also grows in flushes on open moorland.
Sphagnum teres
Mill Dale, Ladybower
Westend Valley, High Peak
Perhaps Derbyshire's most attractive Sphagnum species is rare in the county, being restricted to neutral or base-rich flushes. Most occurrences are over small areas of slighty calcareous gritstone.
S.teres is always a typically brown colour with a very small capitulum. It has a unique appearance among Derbyshire's Sphagnum species.
S.teres is always a typically brown colour with a very small capitulum. It has a unique appearance among Derbyshire's Sphagnum species.
Sphagnum fimbriatum
Ashop Clough
Brampton Moor
This pale, wispy Sphagnum species is frequent in Derbyshire in damp woodland and permanently moist, rank grassland. It can also form extensive hummocks on moorland. The key character in identifying it in the field is to look at the stem leaves - they are broad, round and highly-fringed (hence the name). Breaking off the capitulum from the stem makes them easy to see. S. fimbriatum is also abundantly fertile, and the presence of capsules is a useful indicator in the field.
Sphagnum flexuosum
Clark's Plantation, Eastern Moors
This common Sphagnum is described in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
Sphagnum girgensohnii
Padley Gorge
Unlike most other Sphagnum species in Derbyshire, S. girgensohnii is moss of damp, acidic woodland, rather than boggy areas on moorland. It is fairly widespread in the north of the county, especially in the High Peak.
This plant is the most likely Sphagnum to be encountered in damp, open woodland, along with S. fallax, but that species lacks the clear star-like (stellate) capitulum when viewed from above. S. girgensohnii also has a rectangular, rather than triangular, stem leaf with a fringed tip.
This plant is the most likely Sphagnum to be encountered in damp, open woodland, along with S. fallax, but that species lacks the clear star-like (stellate) capitulum when viewed from above. S. girgensohnii also has a rectangular, rather than triangular, stem leaf with a fringed tip.
Sphagnum capillifolium
NW of Birchen Clough
stem leaf, Brown Knoll, above Edale
When growing in its typical form, this species is easy to recognise, forming dense, cauliflower-like hummocks on moorland. Usually though, it grows as scattered stems and patches, making microscopic confirmation necessary.
S. capillifolium is not common in Derbyshire, and when found, it is usually only as isolated small patches.
S. capillifolium is not common in Derbyshire, and when found, it is usually only as isolated small patches.
Sphagnum rubellum
Combs Moss, Buxton
This richly-coloured Sphagnum is uncommon in Derbyshire, with a scattered distribution. At any one site, it generally occurs in small quantity, as isolated hummocks.
The species is described in the Mosses of other areas of Scotland section of the site.
The species is described in the Mosses of other areas of Scotland section of the site.
Sphagnum warnstorfii
Fair Brook
One of the rarest Sphagnum species in Derbyshire, this base-loving moss is known from only three sites, occurring in small quantity at each. Visually, it resembles S. rubellum, but never grows in the acidic habitats of that species. Microscopically, the pores on the leaves must be checked carefully to confirm its identity.
All sites are in the High Peak, in damp ground on the margin of base-rich flushes.
All sites are in the High Peak, in damp ground on the margin of base-rich flushes.
Sphagnum russowii
Ashop Clough
This beautiful Sphagnum (in my opinion!) is a plant of rocky, upland woodland banks and heathy banks and, apart from a few scattered records elsewhere, the Peak District respresents the south-eastern edge of its British population.
S. russowii is typically green with wine-red branch tips. It has a lingulate stem leaf with a slightly-fringed tip and typically forms loose mats. It does not generally grow in permanently inundated sites such as bogs.
S. russowii is typically green with wine-red branch tips. It has a lingulate stem leaf with a slightly-fringed tip and typically forms loose mats. It does not generally grow in permanently inundated sites such as bogs.
Sphagnum subnitens
Ashop Clough
Westend Valley, High Peak
A common species of open moorland, S. subnitens is one of the most frequently encountered Sphagnum species in Derbyshire. It grows in both damp and relatively dry sites, and is often seen fruiting.
S. subnitens can be recognised by its distinctive colour (although shaded plants are often uniformly green) and lax habit, as well as its long, acute stem leaves.
stem leaf
S. subnitens can be recognised by its distinctive colour (although shaded plants are often uniformly green) and lax habit, as well as its long, acute stem leaves.
stem leaf
Sphagnum compactum
Farley Moor
Perhaps Derbyshire's rarest Sphagnum species, this moss was recently rediscovered at a new site near Matlock by Tom Blockeel, having not been seen in the county for over a hundred years. It grows sparingly here on exposed damp, sandy soil in remnant heathland amongst blocks of plantation.
Its typical dense, spiky appearance can be seen in the second photo.
This species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Ben Lawers section of the site.
Its typical dense, spiky appearance can be seen in the second photo.
This species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Ben Lawers section of the site.
Sphagnum inundatum
Westend Valley, High Peak
This close relative of S. auriculatum (it used to be considered a variety of it) is generally less common, and this is certainly the case in Derbyshire.
Typical forms of this moss lack the curved branches of S.auriculatum and have a denser, neater appearance. The lower branch leaves are also characteristically curved to one side. S.inundatum grows in less strongly-acidic sites, which perhaps explains its relative rarity.
Typical forms of this moss lack the curved branches of S.auriculatum and have a denser, neater appearance. The lower branch leaves are also characteristically curved to one side. S.inundatum grows in less strongly-acidic sites, which perhaps explains its relative rarity.
Sphagnum auriculatum (syn. S.denticulatum)
Ashop CloughPerhaps the most common Sphagnum of wet moorland in the High Peak, S. auriculatum is found in permanently marshy or flushed acidic sites. It can be green, as here, or bright orange.
Plants often show distinctive curved branches, as can be seen here. Under a lens or microscope, the rather oblong, lingulate stem leaves can be seen easily.
Plants often show distinctive curved branches, as can be seen here. Under a lens or microscope, the rather oblong, lingulate stem leaves can be seen easily.
Sphagnum cuspidatum
Image coming soon!
This common Sphagnum is described in the Mosses of other areas of Scotland section of the site.
Sphagnum fallax
image coming soon!
Ashop Clough
form resembling S.capillifolium, Farley Moor
Ashop Clough
form resembling S.capillifolium, Farley Moor
Another of the common moorland Sphagnum species, S. fallax can be very abundant on moist, rather than boggy sites, although it can grow in a variety of habitats.
Its colour varies from pale green to brownish orange - the key feature to identify it is the triangular stem leaf.
Its colour varies from pale green to brownish orange - the key feature to identify it is the triangular stem leaf.
Andreaea rothii
Grindsbrook, Edale
The species is described in more detail in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
Andreaea rupestris
Padley Gorge
Despite being an abundant and widespread moss of exposed siliceous rocks in northern Britain, A. rupestris is rare in Derbyshire and known from scattered sites in the Dark Peak, always in very small quantity. Often, there will be just a single patch on one boulder, with other seemingly perfect boulders devoid of Andreaea.
The species is described in more detail in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
The species is described in more detail in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
Pogonatum aloides
Ashop Clough, High Peak
Like some other Polytrichaceae, this small species is a colonist of bare, stable, acidic soil. It is often extremely abundant on damp soil banks and landslips by streams in the Dark Peak. The similar P. nanum is unknown from Derbyshire in modern times.
Key features of this species are the thick, toothed, Aloe-like leaves and microscopical features of the capsules, which occur in winter.
Key features of this species are the thick, toothed, Aloe-like leaves and microscopical features of the capsules, which occur in winter.
Pogonatum urnigerum
Wragg's Quarry, Eastern Moors
A common colonist of dry, acidic soil, P. urnigerum is generally a conspicuous and easy species to identify becuase of its glaucous, grey-green colouration. In Derbyshire, it is often seen as a pioneer species on gritty, sandy soil on and around acidic rock ledges.
Polytrichastrum alpinum
Ashop Clough
This species is rare in Derbyshire, and entirely restricted to the High Peak, where it grows on bare, gritty, acidic soil on cold N-facing crags or in short turf on steep N-facing slopes at high altitude.
This species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Ben Lawers section of the site.
This species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Ben Lawers section of the site.
Polytrichastrum longisetum
High Edge
This uncommon species looks very much like a small version of P. formosum, but needs to be confirmed by measuring leaf cells under a microscope - they are wider than in P. formosum and the leaf nerve has fewer lamellae when seen in section.
Polytrichum juniperinum
Brightgate, Bonsall Moor
Widespread in Derbyshire, this smaller Polytrichum species is found as short turfs on dry moorland in the Dark Peak. Unusually for a Polytrichum, it is also widespread on the limestone of the White Peak, where it is a characteristic moss of leached soil ledges and short turf on sunny limestone outcrops.
Polytrichum perigonale
image coming soon!
Wragg's Quarry, Eastern Moors
Wragg's Quarry, Eastern Moors
Formerly regarded as a variety of the very common P. commune, perigonale is now accepted as a species in its own right. It is typical of dry, disturbed habitats like abandoned quarries. P. perigonale differs from P. commune in its smaller size, less sharply-toothed leaves and narrower leaf lamellae which lack deep grooves at the apex.
Polytrichum piliferum
Westend Valley, High Peak
A very common moss of bare, fairly dry, acidic soil, especially on heathland and moorland, P. piliferum is also very easy to identify. The leaves usually have a fine hair-point, which is lacking in the otherwise-similar P. juniperinum.
Oligotrichum hercynium
Ashop Clough
Derbyshire marks the south-eastern limit of this northern, montane species in Britain. It occurs at scattered sites in the High Peak but is not common.
Oligotrichum has distinctive, incurved, rather short leaves. Like other members of the Polytrichaceae, the upper surface of the leaves has a group of lamellae along the nerve. It could be confused with Polytrichastrum sexangulare, but that species does not occur in Derbyshire (or even England)!
Oligotrichum has distinctive, incurved, rather short leaves. Like other members of the Polytrichaceae, the upper surface of the leaves has a group of lamellae along the nerve. It could be confused with Polytrichastrum sexangulare, but that species does not occur in Derbyshire (or even England)!
Atrichum crispum
Image coming soon!
In the High Peak, this is a commonly-encountered moss of bare peat, especially along streams in moorland.
It is believed to be an introduced species, native to North America.
It is believed to be an introduced species, native to North America.
Atrichum undulatum
Ashop Clough
An attractive moss of damp woodland, A.undulatum is a very common species in Derbyshire. It can be recognised by its long, translucent leaves, whcih have a distinctly wavy surface. Long capsules are common and are held on a tall seta.
Coombs Dale SSSI
Coombs Dale SSSI
Atrichum tenellum
Derwent Reservoir, High Peak
This unassuming moss is known from a single site in Derbyshire, where it grows as part of the ephemeral bryophyte community on a reservoir margin.
In the field, A. tenellum resembles a small version of the common A. undulatum, but lacks the wavy leaves.
Microscopically, it has leaves which narrow markedly at the base and which have taller lamellae. Crucially, A. tenellum also produces rhizoidal gemmae, which A. undulatum never does.
In the field, A. tenellum resembles a small version of the common A. undulatum, but lacks the wavy leaves.
Microscopically, it has leaves which narrow markedly at the base and which have taller lamellae. Crucially, A. tenellum also produces rhizoidal gemmae, which A. undulatum never does.
Tetrodontium brownianum
Grindsbrook, Edale
This uncommon moss is found at scattered sites in the High Peak. It grows in small quantity on shaded, sometimes slightly base-enriched, gritstone.
Tetrodontium is named for the four teeth of the capsule, but a hand lens is needed to see these - the whole moss is very small indeed, with the leaves only 2mm long. Often capsules are absent in Derbyshire, and then the plant grows as a protonema, with distinctively long, narrow, blunt leaves.
Tetrodontium is named for the four teeth of the capsule, but a hand lens is needed to see these - the whole moss is very small indeed, with the leaves only 2mm long. Often capsules are absent in Derbyshire, and then the plant grows as a protonema, with distinctively long, narrow, blunt leaves.
Archidium alternifolium
Fernilee Reservoir, Goyt Valley
In Derbyshire, the classic habitat of this understated species is bare, acidic soil on exposed reservoir margins. Elsewhere in Britain, it occurs in other, similar disturbed sites where the soil remains moist for a long period of time.
Archidium can be recognised by its wispy, slightly wavy stems with short, widely-spaced leaves. Fertile stems are rather different, with larger, more crowded leaves and the capsule remains 'buried' among them.
Archidium can be recognised by its wispy, slightly wavy stems with short, widely-spaced leaves. Fertile stems are rather different, with larger, more crowded leaves and the capsule remains 'buried' among them.
Pleuridium subulatum
image coming soon
Text coming soon.
Pseudephemerum nitidum
Lathkill Dale NNR
Pseudephemerum is a common species of bare soil. The long, wispy leaves and conspicuous, immersed capsules make it an easy species to spot and recognise. Unlike the closely-related Pleuridiums, the leaves of Pseudephemerum are all of a similar size and taper gradually to the apex.
Physcomitrium readeri (syn. Ephemerella readeri)
Ladybower Reservoir
This is an extremely rare moss, nationally, but grows in substantial abundance around Ladybower Reservoir, where patches of this plant cover areas counted in square metres!
P.readeri is a tiny species, like many reservoir ephemerals, but is distinctive in appearance.
in habitat
P.readeri is a tiny species, like many reservoir ephemerals, but is distinctive in appearance.
in habitat
Trichodon cylindricus
Elton Common, Winster
A common winter-annual moss of arable fields, Trichodon looks similar to other small Dicranaceae found in that habitat, but has very distinctive long, tapering leaves with a sheathing stem.
Microscopically, the leaf apices have teeth all around it, not just on the margins.
As well as arable fields, this species is sometimes found on leached soil ledges over limestone in the White Peak.
Microscopically, the leaf apices have teeth all around it, not just on the margins.
As well as arable fields, this species is sometimes found on leached soil ledges over limestone in the White Peak.
Flexitrichum flexicaule
Hob's House, Monsal Dale
Along with F. gracile, this species is the typical small Flexitrichum of calcareous rocks in Derbyshire, although it is not overly common. The two species are very similar and can be extremely difficult to separate, even microscopically. The best field character is the frequent presence of small, thin extra shoots on F. flexicaule, which F. gracile never has.
As a species pair, the narrow, rather straight and opaque leaves separate them from other small calcicolous mosses like Trichostomum and Tortella.
As a species pair, the narrow, rather straight and opaque leaves separate them from other small calcicolous mosses like Trichostomum and Tortella.
Flexitrichum gracile
Via Gellia
This species is described with F. flexicaule above.
Distichium capillaceum
Markland Grips DWT Reserve, Clowne
Text coming soon!
Distichium inclinatum
Furness Quarry, Stony MIddleton (all photos)
Far rarer than D.capillaceum, this moss is recognised by its inclined capsule, as the name suggests. It is a moss of disturbed habitats, such as old quarries. Despite its rarity, it is remarkably abundant at Furness Quarry, with some patches covering a square foot or more.
in habitat - large pure patch of D.inclinatum
in habitat - large pure patch of D.inclinatum
Ceratodon purpureus
Ramsley Reservoir, Eastern MoorsA ubiquitous, very common moss of a wide variety of acidic habitats, Ceratodon can be found across the county. When its capsules with purple setae are absent, it can often be recognised by red-tinged leaves.
Microscopically, its square leaf cells are distinctive and its leaves have a more robust nerve than similar species. The leaf margins are usually recurved almost to the apex, which often has a few teeth.
Microscopically, its square leaf cells are distinctive and its leaves have a more robust nerve than similar species. The leaf margins are usually recurved almost to the apex, which often has a few teeth.
Cynodontium bruntonii
Ladybower Wood NR
An extremely rare moss in Derbyshire, this species is restricted to just a couple of sites in the county. Its favoured habitat of dry cracks in gritstone is very common across the High Peak, so it is puzzling why the moss should be so rare here.
Dichodontium pellucidum
Roych Clough, High Peak
Text coming soon!
Dicranoweisia cirrata
Wragg's Quarry, Eastern Moors
A very common moss of sunny, acidic habitats, both on rocks and trees, D.cirrata is easy to encounter, especially in the Peak District.
It typically forms dense bright green cushions on sunny gritstone boulders and its straight capsules on short, yellow setae are often abundant.
It typically forms dense bright green cushions on sunny gritstone boulders and its straight capsules on short, yellow setae are often abundant.
Hymenoloma crispulum (syn. Dicranoweisia crispula)
Ladybower Reservoir
Unlike its close cousin, H.crispulum is extremely rare in Derbyshire and known from just a few gritstone walls in the Ladybower area. Being a moss of calcareous schist and other metamorphic rocks, it is unsurprising it is so rare here, as the High Peak rocks are almost completely acidic.
You can see photos of H.crispulum, along with a description of the species, here.
You can see photos of H.crispulum, along with a description of the species, here.
Dicranella varia
Coombs Dale SSSI
Bonsall Moor
A widespread moss of damp, calcareous open soil, D.varia is a very small species but can be locally abundant. As well as in open grassland, it is often common on bare soil on old lead-mining spoil heaps.
The easiest features to look for in the field are the inclined capsule and short yellow-green stiff, lanceolate leaves. It is similar to D.staphylina (see below) but has narrower cells and tends to occupy less disturbed soil.
The easiest features to look for in the field are the inclined capsule and short yellow-green stiff, lanceolate leaves. It is similar to D.staphylina (see below) but has narrower cells and tends to occupy less disturbed soil.
Dicranella rufescens
Fernilee Reservoir, Goyt Valley
This little moss is very common in sunny, acidic habitats like arable fields and gritty track edges. The capsules and setae give the plants a rusty tinge, as do the leaf bases, which is often how this little moss is noticed.
Dicranella schreberiana
above Roych Clough, High Peak
Along with D.staphylina, this little moss is a common member of a community of species which grow in stubble fields in the autumn, although it also grows in other disturbed habitats - the plant here was growing on bare, peaty soil in an acidic upland flush.
The two species are rather similar but D.schreberiana has a large, sheathing base to its leaves and is often fertile. D.staphylina lacks a sheathing base to its leaves, which are not as longly-tapering, and never fruits in Britain. It also always bears brown rhizoidal gemmae.
The two species are rather similar but D.schreberiana has a large, sheathing base to its leaves and is often fertile. D.staphylina lacks a sheathing base to its leaves, which are not as longly-tapering, and never fruits in Britain. It also always bears brown rhizoidal gemmae.
Dicranella staphylina
Image coming soon!
This arable bryophyte is described with D. schreberiana, above.
Dicranella cerviculata
Farley Moor
This very small moss can be very conspicuous when growing in abundance and covered with its distinctive curved capsules with a swollen base.
Despite its fairly common habitat of bare peat, it is surprisingly uncommon in Derbyshire.
Despite its fairly common habitat of bare peat, it is surprisingly uncommon in Derbyshire.
Dicranella heteromalla
Shining Cliff Wood
This very common colonist of acidic soil is described in the Mosses of other areas of Scotland section of the site.
Dichodontium palustre
In acidic, marshy areas in the High Peak, this is often an abundant and conspicuous moss. Its bright yellow-green colour and squarrose leaves make it an easy species to recognise.
Mill Dale, Ladybower
Mill Dale, Ladybower
Dichodontium flavescens
Text coming soon!
Dicranum scoparium
previous 3 photos - fruiting plants, Padley Gorge
Dicranum scoparium is a very common moss in Derbyshire, both in short grassland and also in woodland. It also grows on drystone walls and a variety of other habitats.
Capsules are not common in Derbyshire, and tend to only be seen in cool, damp sites.
D.scoparium is described in more detail in the Mosses of Ben Lawers section of the site, where I've included a photo of the distinctive leaf cross-section.
Capsules are not common in Derbyshire, and tend to only be seen in cool, damp sites.
D.scoparium is described in more detail in the Mosses of Ben Lawers section of the site, where I've included a photo of the distinctive leaf cross-section.
Dicranum majus
Goyt Valley
A distinctive, large Dicranum of wooded, damp habitats, D.majus is usually easy to recognise by its curved leaves and robust appearance. In Derbyshire, it is unlikely to be confused with other species. Even Dicranodontium denudatum, which has fine, curved leaves is smaller and does not form tall, isolated stems like D.majus.
Dicranum fuscescens
Padley Gorge
Unlike the rather similar D.scoparium, D.fuscescens is first and foremost a woodland plant in Derbyshire, where it grows on gritstone rocks in dappled woodland shade. When growing next to D.scoparium (as here) it can be seen to be a darker species with leaves curved to one side. When dry, the leaves are characteristically crisped.
Microscopically, it lacks the characteristic four lamellae on the nerve that identifies typical D.scoparium and has a channelled leaf apex with mammillose cells.
Microscopically, it lacks the characteristic four lamellae on the nerve that identifies typical D.scoparium and has a channelled leaf apex with mammillose cells.
Dicranum tauricum
Fernilee Reservoir, Goyt Valley
Much smaller than the common Dicranum species in Derbyshire, D.tauricum is a rare and declining species in the county, where it grows on bark.
I've described this species in more detail in the Bryophytes of the Queyras section of the site.
Clark's Plantation, Eastern Moors
I've described this species in more detail in the Bryophytes of the Queyras section of the site.
Clark's Plantation, Eastern Moors
Dicranodontium denudatum
Padley Gorge
This beautiful moss is typical of damp, acidic woodland in northern Britain. It is extremely rare in Derbyshire, being known from just a few sites in the Dark Peak.
Its silky, fine, curved leaves make it easy to recognise and it is unlikely to be confused with any other species in the county, if you are lucky enough to come across it.
in habitat
Its silky, fine, curved leaves make it easy to recognise and it is unlikely to be confused with any other species in the county, if you are lucky enough to come across it.
in habitat
Campylopus fragilis
Conies Dale
This realtively common species is named for its habit of shedding leaves easily, and this character makes it easy to recognise in the field. It is a species of sunny, open habitats like grassland and well-drained crags.
Campylopus flexuosus
Ashop Clough
This widespread species is especially common in wooded, acidic habitats, where it often grows as an epiphyte or on damp rocks. It also grows abundantly as cushions on blanket bog and moorland.
In Derbyshire, this species is usually easy to recognise, but if in any doubt, the red-brown stem rhizoids are distinctive and, microscopically, the leaf bases have well-defined patches of red-brown cells at the corners.
In Derbyshire, this species is usually easy to recognise, but if in any doubt, the red-brown stem rhizoids are distinctive and, microscopically, the leaf bases have well-defined patches of red-brown cells at the corners.
Campylopus introflexus
Coombs Dale SSSIBritain's most common Campylopus is an introduced species, native to Australasia. It can be seen in just about any sunny, acidic site, where it forms distinctive patches on bare soil, exposed wood and rock.
Although not shown in this photo, its most distinctive character is the long hair point, which bends back at a right angle when the plant dries.
Although not shown in this photo, its most distinctive character is the long hair point, which bends back at a right angle when the plant dries.
Leucobryum glaucum
Padley GorgeDespite being a common and often abundant moss of fairly dry, acidic, heathy woodland in northern Britain, L.glaucum is extremely rare in Derbyshire. The sole known site is above Padley Gorge, where it grows as scattered hummocks amongst bilberry and heather. Being in a relatively shaded site, the species is green here, rather than the often-seen ghostly white colour of more exposed plants.