Guide to Liverworts of Oregon: Cephalozia otaruensis Steph. nom. prov.
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Cephalozia 1a sinus >0.5 of leaf > Cephalozia 2b leaf cells longer than 35 μm long > Cephalozia 5b plants wider than 0.6 mm wide > Cephalozia 6b leaves horizontal with narrow base > C. otaruensis
Synonym: Cephalozia bicuspidata (L.) Dum. ssp.otaruensis (Steph.) Hatt.
Special Status: Unlisted because of taxonomic issues. Although the plants found in the Pacific Northwest are probably related to the east asian Cephalozia otaruensis, they differ in several morphological features. I believe the PNW plants represent an endemic species, one not very common, and restricted to very mesic (swampy) sites.
Recognition: Very close to C. bicuspidata but the leaves spread more widely and are narrower; the sinus is a bit deeper and the lobes a bit more narrow.
Distribution: On peaty substrates in wetlands. In Oregon strictly along the coastal strip but from the North Cascades in Washington. Seen as far north as Vancouver, Canada.
Comments: Schuster describes plants that seem to fit the description of this species from SE United States. I have compared PNW material with authentic material from Japan and conclude that an undescribed, endemic species is at hand. The Japanese material of Cephalozia otaruensis has smaller laminal cells and much shorter cells in the lobes even though the leaf outline is very similar to the regional species.
New River, Coos Co., Oregon. DHW m0778.
Perianth; stained with toluidine blue. Klaloch, Jefferson Co., Washington. DHW m1109.
Shoot; stained with toluidine blue. Klaloch, Jefferson Co., Washington. DHW m1109.