The stem of each plant is not forked. The branches at the tip of the stem crowd into a ball called the capitulum, so that when you look down on the surface of the hummock each individual plant appears as a circle. Down within the hummock, the side branches of the individual plants are arranged in bunches called fascicles. The leaves on the branches form spirals and press close to the branch. Stem leaves differ in size and shape.
Colors vary from red, green, and yellow to brown.
Sphagnum follows the sedges in bog succession and creates an acid environment in peat bogs, where it exerts an important effect on drainage, erosion and permafrost. It is bactericidal, resistant to decay in herbaria, and safe to use against skin. Sphagnum was used extensively for surgical dressings during the first World War, and by mothers in Lapland and North America for infants' cradle linings, diapers, and toilet paper. I have used it for my own infant and agree that it seems to prevent diaper rash. Red sphagnum is good for a dressing on a bad cut or for sore eyes.