Source: Premier Tech. Most of the peat moss used in crop production comes from Canada and is composed mainly of mosses from the genus Sphagnum (of which there are 160 species of sphagnum found globally). This is where the name sphagnum peat moss is derived from. … Close up of sphagnum moss growing in a bog.

What is sphagnum made of?

So what is sphagnum peat moss? It is actually the dead, decayed plant matter of sphagnum moss that settles at the bottom of the sphagnum bogs. Many of the sphagnum bogs that are harvested for commercially sold sphagnum peat moss have built up in the bottom of bogs for thousands of years.

How do you get sphagnum moss?

In general, look for shady, moist areas where moss may grow. Check valleys with water features which tend to have moist, shady environments. Moss can grow on the ground, on fallen logs, on rocks, and even on living trees.