Common Name:
Sphagnum Moss

Scientific Name:
Sphagnum spp.

Family:
Sphagnum Moss (Sphagnaceae)

Plant Description:
Sphagnum Moss is a perennial plant reaching 1-4 inches in height. It often grows in small hummocks. Plant color varies from a light green to purple. Sphagnum moss creates an organic acid which helps maintain the acidity in natural bogs.

Remarks:
There are over 20 species of Sphagnum moss growing in the Midwest. They can be found in wetlands adjacent to cranberry marches. Sphagnum moss is common in cranberry marshes with peat soils that have low acidities. Sphagnum may be a serious weed problem on some cranberry marshes.