Sphagnum Moss
Sphagnum moss, also known as bog moss, is commonly found in peat bogs in Ireland.
Courtesy of CJ Fallon Ltd.Courtesy of CJ Fallon Ltd.
Sphagnum Moss
Sphagnum moss, also known as bog moss, is commonly found in peat bogs in Ireland.
Courtesy of CJ Fallon Ltd.Sphagnum moss is commonly known as bog moss. Pale green bog moss is the most common type but it can have a range of colours, such as dark green, yellow, pink, red and brown.
Bog moss is very useful because of its ability to absorb moisture. It has been used throughout history as a dressing for wounds and is twice as absorbent as cotton wool. Today, it is used for this purpose in Germany.
Decayed bog moss is often called peat moss. It is also very useful. Often, it is added to sandy soil to help it hold in moisture. A layer of peat moss is often used when growing mushrooms.
Sphagnum bogs are also important for archaeology and history because they preserve human remains and ancient objects. For example, Old Croghan Man was an iron age man whose remains were found in a bog in Oldcroghan, Co. Offaly, in 2003. Tests showed that his last meal was wheat and buttermilk. He wore a well-preserved plaited leather bracelet on his arm. He is about 2,000 years old.
Clonycavan Man, another Iron Age man, was found in Clonycavan, Co. Meath at around the same time. He ate lots of vegetables and wore hair gel. He is about 2,300 years old.