First described by Edmund Russow in 1865, it is a relatively robust moss species characterised by its green to straw-coloured appearance and distinctive branching pattern.

The species typically grows in shaded, damp woodlands and on the edges of mires, forming loose mats particularly under birch and willow trees, and can be found from sea level to elevations of 2,200 m (7,200 ft).

While it shows a mainly northern distribution pattern and is especially abundant in subarctic regions, it occurs throughout Europe from Portugal to Russia, being more common in upland areas.

Sphagnum girgensohnii was first described by the German botanist Edmund Russow in 1865, with the original description appearing on page 46 of his publication, accompanied by illustrations in table II.

[7] Sphagnum girgensohnii typically inhabits shaded environments where the peat layer is relatively thin and where there is notable influence from mineral-rich water.

It characteristically grows above the water table, forming loose, scattered clumps or mats, often beneath birch (Betula) or willow (Salix) trees.

It becomes particularly abundant in subarctic peatlands dominated by cotton grass (Eriophorum), where it frequently grows alongside another peat moss species, Sphagnum russowii.

In Europe, it occurs from Portugal to Russia, and from Svalbard to Italy and Spain, being absent only from Moldova, Greece, and some smaller Mediterranean countries and territories.

In the British Isles, there is a clear north-south gradient to its distribution: the species is rare in southern Britain but becomes increasingly common as one moves northward through Wales and northern England, reaching its greatest abundance in Scotland.

[1] The species is present in numerous protected areas throughout its range, including Portugal's Serra da Estrela Natural Park.

Given its stable population trends and widespread distribution, conservation efforts focus primarily on habitat protection rather than species-specific interventions.