Sphagnum magellanicum

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Sphagnum magellanicum, commonly known as Magellanic bogmoss, Magellan's sphagnum, Magellan's peatmoss or midway peat moss, is a widespread moss found in wet boreal forests in southern and southwestern South America, as well as in northern North America and Eurasia. Its reddish-purple leaves are distinctive. It forms low cushions and mats in freshwater bogs.

In Chile, Sphagnum peat has been harvested commercially since the 2010s for export to Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the United States. Because Sphagnum helps absorb and later release water, heavy harvesting could threaten water supplies in Chile’s fjords and channels. Since August 2, 2018, Chile regulates harvesting to manual methods only (pitchforks or similar tools). In any given area, at least 30% of Sphagnum must remain unharvested. Harvested fibers may not exceed 15 cm in length, and the remaining moss must stay at least 5 cm above the water table after harvesting. In Los Ríos and Los Lagos regions (around 40–41°S to 43°S) the same plots may be harvested again after 12 years; farther south in Aysén and Magallanes (44–56°S) waiting periods reach 85 years.

In Iceland, this species is found at only two locations and is considered vulnerable.

Studies on the herbicide Asulam showed that Sphagnum magellanicum has intermediate sensitivity to exposure.