Acidic sphagnum bog in the forests of the U.S. Gulf Coast

Environmental conditions

This is an acidic, nutrient-poor wetland; unlike fens, bogs receive most of their water from precipitation rather than from mineral-rich groundwater or surface water.

Distribution and scope

The distribution documented here is limited to bayheads, described as a type of bog in the forests of the U.S. Gulf Coast states; the evidence does not define any other areas.

Structure

The vegetation cover of these bogs may include mound-forming sphagnum as well as low shrubs; the accumulation of plant remains constitutes the characteristic peat deposit of this habitat.

Ecological processes

Soil saturation and low oxygen availability slow the decomposition of plant remains; when decomposition is slower than the accumulation of plant material, peat forms.