Sphagnum papillosum, the papillose peatmoss, is a species of peat moss distributed throughout the northern hemisphere.

S. papillosum is classified under section Sphagnum of the genus, which also includes the species S. magellanicum, S. palustre, and S. austinii.

[4] S. papillosum is oligo-mesotrophic, commonly found in shaded, nutrient-poor fen habitats to open, acidic peatlands.

[4] These types of habitats are mainly supplied by precipitation; therefore, nutrients such as nitrogen are particularly low and water availability is dependent on rates of rainfall, which both limits the growth and productivity of S.

[10] Like other Sphagnum mosses, S. papillosum is sensitive to minerals and nutrients in the water and has been observed to bioaccumulate metals such as cadmium, chromium, and zinc in its tissues.

[5] The spores are dispersed all at once when the sporangium matures through an explosive, hygroscopic mechanism triggered by warm and dry conditions.

[14][15] S. papillosum is a major peat-forming moss, dominant in peatlands that are mined for horticultural purposes, as peat is a popular growing medium for ornamental plants.

[15] S. papillosum has also been observed to regenerate after cutting when tested for harvesting techniques; therefore, it may provide a potentially renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to peat mining.

[15][17] The IUCN classifies the species as Least concern due to its common occurrence across its wide geographic range, but several local populations (e.g. in Romania, Slovakia and Serbia) are considered threatened.