<P> Sphagnum moss, generally the species cristatum and subnitens, is harvested while still growing and is dried out to be used in nurseries and horticulture as a plant growing medium . The practice of harvesting peat moss should not be confused with the harvesting of moss peat . Peat moss can be harvested on a sustainable basis and managed so that regrowth is allowed, whereas the harvesting of moss peat is generally considered to cause significant environmental damage as the peat is stripped with little or no chance of recovery . </P> <P> Some sphagnum mosses can absorb up to 20 times their own weight in water . In World War I, Sphagnum mosses were used as first - aid dressings on soldiers' wounds, as these mosses said to absorb liquids three times faster than cotton, retain liquids better, better distribute liquids uniformly throughout themselves, and are cooler, softer, and be less irritating . It is also claimed to have antibacterial properties . Native Americans were one of the peoples to use Sphagnum for diapers and napkins, which is still done in Canada . </P> <P> In rural UK, Fontinalis antipyretica was traditionally used to extinguish fires as it could be found in substantial quantities in slow - moving rivers and the moss retained large volumes of water which helped extinguish the flames . This historical use is reflected in its specific Latin / Greek name, the approximate meaning of which is "against fire". </P> <P> In Finland, peat mosses have been used to make bread during famines . In Mexico, Moss is used as a Christmas decoration . </P>

A well labelled diagram of a moss plant