Identification notes
Sphagnum mosses have a bit of a reputation for being difficult to identify, but there are quite a few that, once known, are distinctive enough to be easily identified in the field.
S. girgensohnii is one of these. It is one of only two common and usually green lowland species which has (i) a prominent central capitulum bud (said by some to be like a rocket nose-cone) and (ii) with stem leaves tattered and fringed across a flattish or rounded apex. The shape of the stem leaf is the best way to distinguish it from S. fimbriatum.
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