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sphagnum

sphagnum

2 9.9
A soft moss that holds water and forms peat for gardens
  • noun
  • /ˈsfæɡnəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : esfagno
  • Bogs often form in lakes where poor drainage permits the accumulation of organic matter, especially sphagnum moss, which builds up in thick layers of peat.
  • sphagnum moss
  • sphagnum peat

And I really want to try to look for a patch of this key player in a bog environment, which is sphagnum Moss.

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Examples

  • Small mounds of soil, many capped with sphagnum moss, rise above the water, which is shallow.

    Academic text (1998)
  • So this is a really big bag up here of sphagnum peat Moss.

  • Up to 80 percent of sphagnum is water, yet it is strong enough to walk on, albeit with a sense of "springiness."

    Academic text (2002)
  • Because of the spongelike action of sphagnum moss, the peat stays in place rather than flowing downslope.

    Academic text (2002)
  • Originally a glacial lake, the fen has filled in with vegetation, notably sphagnum, or peat moss.

    Academic text (2011)
  • To help the orchids thrive, add sphagnum moss to retain moisture in the potting mix.

  • Gardeners often use sphagnum moss to improve soil quality and increase water retention.

  • The layers of sphagnum moss in the bog slowly decompose, creating nutrient-rich peat over time.

Synonyms

sphagnum moss
vssphagnum
1 7.2

A soft, spongy moss that grows in wetlands and turns into peat when it rots

is the single word scientific name used without the common noun moss
peat moss
vssphagnum
  • Specialized
1 4.5

A soft plant from bogs that helps soil hold water

focuses on fully decomposed remains that accumulate into peat rather than partial decay
bog moss
vssphagnum
  • Specialized
8.4

A soft pale moss that grows in very wet ground and helps make peat

is valued for gardening use as a soil improver rather than just forming peat

Compounds

A soft, spongy moss that grows in wetlands and turns into peat when it rots

genus Sphagnum
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of moss plants that hold a lot of water and help form peat bogs

Surface Forms

sphagnum singular
sphagnums plural

Etymology

Sphagnum comes from the Greek word sphagnos, which means 'bog-moss'. A helpful way to remember it is to think of a 'sponge' because sphagnum soaks up and holds water and its dead parts form peat that gardeners use.