We analysed element concentrations in apical parts of dominant peatand brown mosses along the complete pH/calcium gradient in fens of three Central European regions. Water chemistry determined substantially species’ magnesium, potassium (in the potassium-poor region), and partially also calcium concentrations. Calcium and potassium concentrations were generally most predictable by water chemistry, water table depth (WTD), and species identity, while concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and especially iron were least predictable. Because moss chemical composition combines the effects of species identity and various effects of the environment, cautionis needed in any meta-analysis.