APPEARANCE
This moss variety is a vibrant green or slightly yellowish colour. It has upright stems that are star shaped and flat topped. The stems form a carpet of branches that cluster in bunches of four to five.
RANGE & HABITAT
This type of sphagnum moss can be found throughout B.C. but it is most common in the northern areas with lower elevations and bogs, swamps and shaded forests. It is also found all around the world where there is shrubby tundra habitat.
LIFE CYCLE
The sphagnum moss uses spores to reproduce.
ANIMAL USES
This moss provides a great place for nesting and bedding for birds.
TRADITIONAL USES BY FIRST PEOPLES
The sphagnum moss is used to treat wounds for infection and for baby care and personal hygiene. It can be mixed with pitch to fill the wood in canoes or used alone to line fire pits, fill pillows and mattresses and as moisture for cooking.
OTHER USES
Tar is distilled from the moss and the tar is used in ointments to treat eczema, acne, psoriasis and other common skin diseases.
STATUS
COSEWIC: Not at Risk
CDC: Yellow
MORE INFORMATION
Photo: eyeweed
More Taiga Plains species
