Data from: Heterogeneous genetic structure in eastern North American peatmosses (Sphagnum)

Bryophytes generally have broad geographic ranges that suggest high
dispersal ability. The aim of this study was to test hypotheses about
dispersal limitation, as indicated by isolation by distance (IBD), in four
spore producing species of the moss genus Sphagnum (S. carolinianum, S.
missouricum, S. macrophyllum, S. pylaesii), and to assess whether plants
in the southern United States harbor high levels of unique alleles and/or
other indicators of exceptional genetic diversity. IBD was detected in all
four species, but regional patterns of genetic structure were very
species-specific. One species, S. macrophyllum, exhibited differentiation
between northern and southern genetic groups that appear to reflect more
ancient phylogenetic diversification.