peat moss

American  

noun

1. Also called bog moss.  any moss, especially of the genus Sphagnum, from which peat may form.

2. such moss after it has been dried, used chiefly as a mulch or seedbed, for acidification.

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peat moss British  

noun

1. Also called: bog moss.  any of various mosses, esp sphagnum, that grow in wet places in dense masses and decay to form peat See also sphagnum

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peat moss Scientific  

1. Any of various mosses of the genus Sphagnum, growing in very wet places, especially bogs, around the world. The leaves of peat moss have large dead cells surrounded by smaller living ones that contain chloroplasts. The walls of the dead cells are perforated and readily absorb water, up to 20 times their dry weight. The walls also contain phenol compounds that resist decay and have antiseptic properties. Peat moss releases hydrogen ions that increase the acidity of the water in bogs. Because of its ability to absorb liquids, peat moss is sometimes used as diaper material by traditional peoples and was once used in making bandages. Peat moss is now used primarily to increase the water-holding capacity of soil.

2. Also called sphagnum

3. See more at bog

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Etymology

Origin of peat moss

1225–75 for earlier sense; 1870–80 peat moss for def. 1; Middle English petemos (in placename) peat bog

Example Sentences

Peat moss doesn’t foster the microorganisms that plants rely on in nature.

From Washington Post • Apr. 5, 2023

Peat moss – or sphagnum – that grows in the Arctic tundra is a known carbon sink, which means it absorbs more carbon than it releases.

From The Guardian • Oct. 20, 2020

Peat moss comes from bogs, those dank environments home to such unique creatures as insect-eating pitcher plants, red-capped and long-necked sandhill cranes, and large heath butterflies.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 2, 2020

Peat moss is also used to help soils retain moisture and improve drainage, but for that use, Masely said he prefers coconut coir, because if peat moss ever dries out, it will actually repel water.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2019

Peat moss must be on the distinctly acid side in order to perform the function of storing scionwood.

From Growing Nuts in the North A Personal Story of the Author's Experience of 33 Years with Nut Culture in Minnesota and Wisconsin by Weschcke, Carl

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