Sphagnum rubellum is abundant throughout ombrotrophic bogs in Washington and throughout the northern hemisphere. If often forms carpets and low hummocks in open sites. It is relatively small, deep red, stellate, flat-topped capitulum, with divergent branches weakly to strongly 5-ranked. It co-dominates with S. fuscum in drier sites of bogs, as well as intermixes with S. angustifolium in the inter-hummock sites. Follow the link for further details on Sphagnum rubellum. 

Sphagnum fuscum co-dominates along with S. rubellum in ombrotrophic bogs in Washington bogs. It is distinguished by its relatively small, brown, non-stellate, and unranked branches. It will form tight hummocks, and in wetter sites, can be found along with S. angustifolium. For more details on Sphagnum fuscum. 

Sphagnum angustifolium is a species that occurs in a range of peatland types. In Washington and throughout the northern hemisphere it occurs from ombrotrophic bogs to mesotrophic fens. It tends to establish in wetter sites as a lawn. It is relatively large, varying in color from orange-pink to yellow-green. Dense capitulum fascicles give this moss a densely-foliate look. It can occur with many species of Sphagnum, but in true bogs, it shares in diversity with S. fuscum and S. rubellum in occupying the wetter sites. For more information, follow the link, Sphagnum angustifolium.