Sphagnum moss can be found in a large variety of areas from the cold arctic to the warm tropics; however, it is most common in the countries across the Northern Hemisphere, New Zealand, and South America. Although there are hundreds of species of sphagnum moss across the globe, the habitat is almost always wet and bog-like. In general, it grows best in soil that is acidic; but, it will not grow in areas where the soil or water contains traces of the mineral lime. The leaves are small and grow in short tufts near the stem. It can range in color from green to yellow and even pink, brown or red.

Thick clumps of sphagnum moss form a mat in watery areas called a bog. In the bog, it has short roots and grows in patches. It absorbs water, similar to a sponge; however, the water can be extracted from the moss. As a result, the dried moss can be used to start fires.

People often have a difficult time deciphering between sphagnum moss and sphagnum peat moss. Sphagnum moss is actually quite different than peat moss and is harvested separately. It is used primarily in among florists to make items such as baskets, wreaths, and some floral arrangements. It is the portion of the moss that is alive and can be found on top of the bog. Alternatively, sphagnum peat moss is used to condition soil, especially for orchids. It is the dead and is found in the lower portions of the bog.

Cutaneous Sporotrichosis is a terrible fungal disease that is transmitted through sphagnum moss – but not sphagnum peat moss. It causes ulcer-like lesions on the skin of its handlers. Since the moss grows in wet conditions, the fungus that causes the condition can grow and spread rapidly among its handlers. Luckily, there is a treatment for the disease and precautions are usually taken. For example, handlers of sphagnum moss are encouraged to wear gloves and shirts with long sleeves.

In Tasmania, Australia, conservation guidelines have been set forth that determine whether sphagnum moss should be harvested. For example, it has been determined that areas where the low average temperature in January is 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) or less, areas that are on basalt, limestone, floating moss beds, or those with a varying watertable should not be harvested. In addition, in Tasmania, harvesters learn that if harvesting occurs, the impact to the area can be lessened by keeping shrubs, allowing 30% of the sphagnum moss to remain on bare areas, and allowing five to ten years for regeneration to occur before harvesting can reoccur.