Establishing a moss cover inhibits the germination of Typha latifolia, an invasive species, in restored peatlands

► We examined the effects of peat type, moss cover and shade on T. latifolia germination. ► Germination rates were minimal on fibric peat and maximal on mesic peat. ► Low germination on fibric peat is likely due to its low pH. ► On mesic peat, increasing moss cover reduced seed germination. ► Among the six shade levels tested, only total obscurity inhibited germination.