Heath star moss is originally native to parts of South America and select regions in Africa and Oceania, thriving in its endemic habitats. In stark contrast, heath star moss has spread across much of the temperate and sub-polar regions, bearing a significant presence across the northern hemisphere. Particularly noted in Europe, heath star moss is sometimes thought to be a challenge, as its presence may have an impact on local ecosystems, though such effects are context-dependent and vary with regional ecological dynamics.