Bog moss

• Aquatic herb that grows either fully submerged or as semi-terrestrial plant along margins of wetlands.
• Stems are white with pink tips, 40–60cm long, sometimes over 1m.
• Leaves are moss- and thread-like, arranged in dense spiral.
• Flowers are pink with 3 petals.

• Prefers shallow freshwater ponds, streams and drainage ditches in tropical and subtropical coastal areas.

• Wild population was detected near Innisfail.
• Can be well adapted to subtropical and tropical climates of Queensland.

Environmental

• Can form dense mats that block shallow freshwater ponds, streams and drainage ditches.
• Has potential to smother and replace aquatic plant species.

• Dispersal is via broken stem fragments.
• Seeds can be spread by water

• Find out how farmers can prevent weed spread.
• Find out how gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts can prevent weed spread.

Herbicide control

• Herbicide control is effective.
• Read the bog moss fact sheet to learn about herbicide control and application rates.

• Bog moss is a category 3 and 5 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. You must not:
  • keep it
  • give it away
  • sell it
  • release it into the environment.

  If you do any of these, penalties may apply.

• You must take all reasonable and practical measures that are under your control to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with dealing with bog moss. This is part of your general biosecurity obligation.
• Each local government agency must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants in its area. This plan may include actions to be taken on bog moss. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local government for more information.