What Is Sphagnum Moss?
Sphagnum moss can be found in a large variety of areas from the cold arctic to the warm tropics; however, it is most common in the countries across the Northern Hemisphere, New Zealand, and South America. Although there are hundreds of species of sphagnum moss across the globe, the habitat is almost always wet and bog-like. In general, it grows best in soil that is acidic; but, it will not grow in areas where the soil or water contains traces of the mineral lime. The leaves are small and grow in short tufts near the stem. It can range in color from green to yellow and even pink, brown or red. Thick clumps of sphagnum moss form a mat in watery areas called a bog. In the bog, it has short roots and grows in patches. It absorbs water, similar to a sponge; however, the water can be extracted from the moss. As a result, the dried moss can be used to start fires. People often have a difficult time deciphering between sphagnum moss and sphagnum peat moss. Sphagnum moss is actually quite diffe
Whilst Sphagnum is a moss, not all mosses are sphagnum. Sphagnum moss is the long stranded moss that is often used by gardeners to line hanging baskets and for air-layering plants. Sphagnum peat is decayed and decomposed sphagnum moss and for the purposes of this article should not be confused with live Sphagnum. A single sphagnum moss plant is very small. It grows packed closely together with many other plants of the same kind and they provide support for each other’s tiny stems. This produces a soft, spongy carpet ranging in colour from red through to green. Different kinds of sphagnum moss are adapted to different conditions. Some grow underwater in pools and wet hollows. Others can survive in fairly dry conditions. Sphagnum moss acts like a sponge and can stay wet for long periods. It can soak up more than eight times its own weight in water and will stay wet long after the surrounding ground has dried. Mosses do not produce flowers or seeds. They grow from spores that are produced
Search here for a Single branch of Sphagnum Moss; see also Search here for the Development of Sphagnum Moss Search here for Encyclopedia Information Search here for Description of Sphagnum Moss What is peat? Search here for Dictionary Definition Search here for Peat Information Search here for the Many Uses of Peat How was the Volo Bog created? The five zones in the Volo Bog: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Field Trip Your magic capsule has been transported to the Volo Bog. Divide into equal teams. Choose a tour guide for each area. Click on the highlighted words, and read the information provided. Make a journal entry describing the important facts for each area. One or two questions are listed under each section on the journal information log to help you think of some ideas. A group discussion will follow. The tour guide will lead the discussion. Review the five zones of the Bog before your trip: Zone 1: Herb Mat Zone 2: Low trees and shrubs Zone 3: Tamarack Trees Zone 4: Tall shrubs Zone 5: Marshland
