Fav Moss Types
If you are wondering just which mosses will suit your needs, here are a few specific bryophyte types that meet the “right place, right plant” concept for a range of landscape projects. These are just a few of Mossin’ Annie’s favorite mosses used in Mountain Moss installations. As we all start to explore mosses, more research combined with field-testing, will reveal even more options. Go Green With Moss!
hello
i found a type of moss (or i think it is) on a concreat sidewalk next to my house and was trying to find out what kind it was? I live in south eastern part of indiana and i am a big fan of plants!!! I would like to see if i could get this plant to grow for me in my home until spring so i can put it in my back yard to grow, where it is shady and wet that time of year,there are so many sites on the web, so i thought maybe this is the one to help???
thanks
debbie
Hey Debbie,
As you’ve discovered, mosses are all around you… even in the sidewalk cracks. Without a photo for reference, it is a guessing game… but, most likely, you’ve found a type of Bryum or Ceratodon. These tiny mosses are like velvet cushions of bright green. Right now, Bryum is just starting to get its teeny sporophytes (less than 1/4 inch tall)… at least here in NC. You might have found an Entodon or other moss type that grows prostrate (sideways).
It’s not necessary to bring your new moss colony inside in winter because ALL mosses tolerate freezing temps. They won’t even mind the snowy winters of Indiana. You can plant it NOW! And, usually these sidewalk mosses don’t need shade (most prefer sun locations). The key is providing a moisture niche. Plant in a depression, between stepping stones or some location where moisture normally accumulates. Don’t provide any “good” soil. Just clear the area of debris. Water and walk on it. YES… step on your precious mosses. It will not hurt them but just help them connect to the soil.
Be aware that sometimes these mosses will not be green… but transitioning with shades of brown and reddish-brown. Don’t despair. This dormant stage will dramatically change with NEW green growth after a few weeks (example: Atrichum).
Go Ahead and Go Green With Moss NOW!
Mossin’ Annie
I live in Michigan and I’m looking for a moss between stepping stones in my garden area. This moss will be walked on occasionally.
Hey Clare,
First, ALL mosses can be walked on! In fact, I recommend walking on mosses to help their rhizoids attach. Second, it would be important to know more about the sun exposure of your garden area where the stepping stones are located. Also, I’d consider the drainage patterns of the area. It is important to assess the entire micro-climate of your target location to determine which bryophytes are RIGHT for your RIGHT location… Right place, right plant still apply in choosing the appropriate mosses for your project. If you’d like to contact me back directly, please send additional information that might be important in choosing RIGHT mosses from our exclusive selection of bryophytes in our online Moss Shop for your needs: mossinannie@gmail.com.
Mosses in between stepping stones of a path or patio add an awesome impact!
Go Green With Moss!
Mossin’ Annie
Hello,
I live in Northern Virginia and would like to start growing moss on a tin roof in shade/partial sun. Is there a type of moss that will grow on tin and if so, what types would you recommend? If not, can I prepare the environment on the roof in such a way to allow for and sustain the growth of moss? Thanks for your help!
Hi! I have begun growing orchids and mounting them on wood slabs I get from trees that have been cut down in my area – Chicago, Illinois. Is there a moss that grows well on wood inside the home in a brightly lit room? I would take the stuff on my trees inside to try it, but I’m not sure it’s actually moss. It actually looks like lichen or maybe even mold!
Hey Chip,
Mountain Moss installed a moss green roof at the NC Arboretum in June 2012. The original tin roof was left in tact and we added EnkaDrain substrate between the ribs. The mosses can attach to the felt top layer and require little to no soil added. Why don’t you check out my photo essay with narrative on the production of this green roof? You can learn step by step what to do as you transform your own tin roof. Moss types used for this direct sun green roof would work for you, too. Let me know if Mountain Moss can help you make your own moss green roof a reality. Mossin’ Annie
picasaweb.google.com/118327841512493525469/MountainMossNCArboretumMossGreenRoofJune2012
hello! I found a yellow moss in the water, what could it possibly be?
any moss can survive fully submerse in water?
Hey Deejanay,
Most likely, you’ve found a Sphagnum species. Right now, my Sphagnum palustre is golden bronze. Sphagnums particularly like living at the water’s edge or in moist boggy areas.
Send me a close-up photo for a better look.
Thanks,
Mossin’ Annie
Hey Kyle,
YES. There are aquatic mosses like Fontinalis that actually live under the water. Also, Sphagnum mosses like to live at the water’s edge. They can handle partial submersion or short periods of full submersion.
Mossin’ Annie
Hi – I have taken some pics of really nice moss that has grown inside a peddle tractor open trailer. A few yrs ago I remember filling it up with some soil and threw mulch in there along with other organic materials, but never got a chance to plant what I wanted. Well, now I noticed for the first time that it is filled with beautiful vibrant bright green moss that is so soft to the touch. I am having a hard time identifying it. Is there somebody I can email pics?
Greetings Leon,
Identification of some bryophytes can be challenging because they are so tiny. Microscopic examination might be necessary to accurately identify species. However, there are some common types that can be classified to genus by viewing photos. Take really close-up photos. If possible, get shots of sporophytes as well (a definitive characteristic). Send your photos to me directly and I’ll try to assist you. When I have trouble identifying mosses, I use an ID key of botanical characteristics,microscopes and my reference books — Mosses of Eastern North America by Drs. Crum and Anderson. To confirm certain species, I sometimes turn to my bryologist friends for a professional consultation and identification. With over 10,000 mosses in the world, I have not learned them all.
Anyhow, send photos and I’ll try to help you out in your moss ID quest.
Go Green With Moss!
Mossin’ Annie
mossinannie@gmail.com