Sphagnum palustre Sphagnum palustre Sphagnum palustre (Syn. "Sphagnum cymbifolium"), the prairie sphagnum or blunt-leaved bogmoss, is a species of peat moss from the genus "Sphagnum", in the family Sphagnaceae. Like other mosses of this type it can soak up water up to the 30-fold amount of its own dry weight thanks to its elastic spiral fibers. "S. palustre" is rather frequent and is spread almost all over the world. It mainly grows in wet forests and—compared to other specimens of this genus—rarely grows in moors. "Sphagnum palustre" forms firm plants up to 25 centimeter height. The plants are often light green to
Sphagnum cuspidatum battlefield to prevent infection. Sphagnum is also used to decorate hanging baskets, as a packing material in the shipping industry, and in some parts of Africa it is even used to pad cushions and mattresses. Since the moss is capable of holding many times its weight in water, it is useful as a potting material for new plants since it provides consistent moisture. It can also be used in conjunction with decaying organic matter as an effective medium for germinating seeds. Some species of Sphagnum moss in general have been used as a fuel source in temperate climates. Sphagnum moss