Choosing Your Mosses

While it is tempting to pick out mosses based on the visual appeal, we suggest you assess the microclimate of your site considering sun exposure and intended substrate before deciding which moss species is best for your project. Some mosses like shady spots while others prefer sun. You’ll find species that are cross-over growers tolerating shade AND partial sun. Consideration should be given to seasonal change in leaf canopy in determination of whether you really have a shade or sun location. Don’t just plan for summer. Mosses planted in the right locations can provide year-round beauty. The key to success in different exposures is providing adequate moisture or supplemental watering for moss species to thrive. If you rely totally on Mother Nature, then expect mosses to languish and suffer during dry periods. Mosses grow faster and look better when you step in and give them brief, yet frequent drinks. Refer to the recommendations below.

For larger residential and commercial projects, Mountain Moss provides consultation services to ensure selection of appropriate species, proper planting methods and addressing long-term maintenance needs. Early involvement in the planning process is suggested rather than proceeding with a project that is not feasible based upon improper designs or inappropriate budgets.

Mosses Available from Mountain Moss

Shade

Atrichum undulatum, Aulacomnium palustre, Bartramia pomiformis, Bryoandersonia illecebra, Climacium americanum, Dicranum scoparium, Entodon seductrix, Hedwigia ciliata, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum curvifolium, Hypnum imponens, Leucobryum albidum, Leucobryum glaucum, Mnium hornum, Plagiomnium ciliare, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum juniperinum, Rhodobyrum ontariense, Sphagnum palustre, Thuidium delicatulum

 

Sun

Atrichum angustatum, Bryoandersonia illecebra, Bryum argenteum, Ceratodon purpureus, Climacium americanum, Entodon seductrix, Hedwigia ciliata, Leucobryum glaucum, Leucobryum albidum, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum juniperinum, Sphagnum palustre

 

Partial Shade/Partial Sun

Atrichum angustatum, Atrichum undulatum, Aulacomnium palustre, Bryoandersonia illecebra, Climacium americanum, Dicranum scoparium, Entodon seductrix, Hedwigia ciliata, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum curvifolium, Hypnum imponens, Leucobryum albidum, Leucobryum glaucum, Mnium hornum, Plagiomnium ciliare, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum juniperinum, Sphagnum palustre, Thuidium delicatulum

 

Other Mossin' Considerations

When planning, you can plant all mosses on soil. Some prefer tolerate high heat index and make good preferences for rock walls, stone patios or green roofs. Some like more moisture than others and thereby are ideal for locations around splashing waterfalls, bogs and pond surrounds. Once again, sun exposure and moisture are important considerations. Here are some guidelines as you pick species best suited to meet your needs.

Rock walls, Boulders, Patios, Green Roofs (Sun)

Atrichum angustatum, Bryum argenteum, Ceratodon purpureus, Entodon seductrix, Hedwigia ciliata, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum juniperinum   Rock walls, Boulders, Patios, Green Roofs (Shade)Atrichum angustatum, Atrichum undulatum, Aulacomnium palustre, Bryoandersonia illecebra, Climacium americanum, Dicranum scoparium, Entodon seductrix, Hedwigia ciliata, Hypnum curvifolium, Hypnum imponens, Leucobryum albidum, Leucobryum glaucum, Mnium hornum, Plagiomnium ciliare, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum juniperinum, Sphagnum palustre, Thuidium delicatulum

 

Water features including waterfalls, ponds, bogs, streams

Atrichum undulatum, Aulacomnium palustre, Bryoandersonia illecebra, Climacium americanum, Entodon seductrix, Hedwigia ciliata, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum curvifolium, Hypnum imponens, Mnium hornum, Plagiomnium ciliare, Rhodobryum ontariense, Sphagnum palustre, Thuidium delicatulum

 

Moss lawns

Atrichum angustatum, Atrichum undulatum, Climacium americanum, Dicranum scoparium, Entodon seductrix, Hypnum curvifolium, Hypnum imponens, Leucobryum albidum, Leucobryum glaucum, Mnium hornum, Plagiomnium ciliare, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum juniperinum, Thuidium delicatulum

Remediation of soggy areas and stormwater run-off

Atrichum undulatum, Aulacomnium palustre, Bryoandersonia illecebra, Climacium americanum, Entodon seductrix, Hedwigia ciliata, Mnium hornum, Plagiomnium ciliare, Sphagnum palustre, Thuidium delicatulum

 

Erosion control

Atrichum undulatum, Climacium americanum, Hypnum curvifolium, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum juniperinum, Thuidium delicatulum

 

Now that you know which species will work best for your project, start shopping in our Moss Shop. We hope that you value the knowledge we’ve imparted about moss gardening. We are not a non-profit organization. We are a “good spirit” business striving to make a difference in the moss industry. Mountain Moss appreciates your interest and support of our efforts. We look forward to receiving your order.