Moss is important to biodiversity not only in Massachusetts, but in the world. In Massachusetts, there are approximately 440 known species of moss, including 44 species of Sphagnum. Two Massachusetts moss experts have proposed 134 species (including 23 Sphagnum species) that are rare within the Commonwealth as Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Sphagnum species and their peat are thought to be the most efficient plants for sequestering carbon (Cardona-Correa et al. 2016, as cited in Karlin 2022). In addition, moss supports many animal species from micro-invertebrates to mammals. It is often overlooked yet it contributes to soil health and nutrient sequestration. The soil under a layer of moss contains higher levels of magnesium, nitrogen and phosphorus than adjacent bare soils (Eldridge et al. 2023). Rain is more easily absorbed by moss than by bare soil, and moss maintains soil moisture by releasing its moisture slowly. Through its ability to break down debris into soil and nutrients, it supports vascular plants.
Massachusetts is starting to look at the importance of moss in maintaining our biodiversity. Several species appear rare with few known locations. As such, these very uncommon moss species are included on the updated Plant Watch List. Their habitat needs and ecology are not well known in many cases, so fact sheets for these species have not been produced in the 2025 SWAP. Over the next 10 years, it is anticipated that more research into these species and their importance will be completed.
Mosses of special interest
The S ranks have been proposed by Eric Karlin for Sphagnum species (Personal communication 2025), all other S ranks for moss were proposed by Sue Williams (personal communication, 2025).
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| Last updated: | February 10, 2025 |
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