Sphagnum denticulatum
cow-horn bog-moss
Container Friendly
Native to North America
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
WaterHigh
Overview
Sphagnum denticulatum is a peat moss in the Sphagnaceae, a non-vascular plant that forms soft, loose carpets and submerged mats in wet, acidic to mildly base-rich habitats. Individual shoots are 2–12 inches (5–30 cm) long, with a compact head of crowded young branches and widely spaced branch clusters down the stem. The colour ranges from bright green in shade to deep golden-brown or orange in full light, and the branches often curve to one side, a feature suggested by the common name. Like all Sphagnum spp., it holds large amounts of water in its hyaline cells and acidifies its surroundings, helping to build and maintain peat. It grows in bog pools, ditches, wet flushes, lake margins, and dripping rock across Europe, and occurs through much of the temperate Northern Hemisphere. It depends on permanently wet, low-nutrient, acidic conditions and breaks down where water is enriched, polluted, or allowed to dry. Growth is slow, and colonies are easily damaged by trampling or drainage.
Native Range
Native across Europe and much of the temperate Northern Hemisphere, in acidic to mildly base-rich wetlands. It occurs in bog pools, ditches, flushes, and lake margins.Suggested Uses
Grown in bog gardens, pond and pool margins, and acidic water features, and used as a living carpet in carnivorous-plant and wetland displays. It is also used in peatland restoration for rebuilding wet, acidic ground.How to Identify
Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to partial shade in permanently wet, acidic, low-nutrient water or saturated peat. Water needs are high, and rainwater or other soft, mineral-poor water keeps it healthy. It is increased by spreading fragments or small clumps over wet peat or sphagnum, since it has no roots and takes up water over its whole surface. Enriched, alkaline, or polluted water causes it to rot and disappear. It is kept permanently wet and is never allowed to dry out. It tolerates cold but not drought.Pruning
No pruning is needed for this moss. Overgrown or browning patches can be lifted or thinned to keep growth fresh. Removed fragments can be used to start new patches.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons