Mosses fascinate me. How about you? I don't "know" all the common and scientific names, but I certainly appreciate mosses for their beauty, their hardiness, and for many other reasons. A couple names that came up as I checked the photos with iNaturalist were Plagiomnium cuspidatum and Hypnum circinale, both of which have many common names. Mosses are often mixed together in some locations, which makes it difficult to ID them all.
Among many things I find fascinating about mosses is how most of them remain green even during winter. I took a walk around the garden and captured a few photos. Some grow on rocks, others at the base of trees, and still others even replace the grass in some spots, which is fine by us.
While I have mixed feelings about artificial intelligence (AI), it can be helpful when researching basic questions. In this case, I researched "mosses growing conditions." And while I wasn't surprised by the results (because they describe our conditions here), they were helpful in explaining where you'll commonly find mosses:
"Moss grows best in damp, shady areas with low light, acidic soil, and compacted or low-fertility soil. Moss needs water, sunlight, and nutrients to grow.
- Light Moss grows in low light and shade, but it still needs some indirect light to grow. Too much sun can cause moss to melt away and smell bad.
- Moisture Moss needs a damp location to grow, but it won't do well in a swampy area. Moss needs water to survive and reproduce.
- Soil Moss grows best in acidic soil. Moss can grow in compacted or low-fertility soil.
- Other conditions Moss grows in damp forests and fern-filled areas. Moss can grow in exposed areas where wind clears snow, giving it access to sunlight."
The only AI description that doesn't match our conditions here is low-fertility soil, although the growth on rocks would match that.
Spring is on the way!
I'm a fan of moss, it really only shows up in my garden about this time of year. When I visit "home" in the Pacific NW - I'm always shocked at the amount of moss that covers everything in winter!
ReplyDeleteI take it for granted, but I love to really study it sometimes. This time of year when very few other things are growing, it's fun to study it a little more closely. It's so intricate.
DeleteI also like moss. We have several different kinds in our yard. Great photos and thank you for sharing the signs of spring flowers. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carla. I think we're both getting some mild weather in the next few days, so quite a few spring plants will start to emerge. Yay!
DeleteI love moss! Even in our much drier climate, we get some along pathways in the winter here when temperatures are lower and there's at least some rain. It adds a cushy texture to the paths for as long as it lasts. I'm glad to see that spring is literally breaking through in your part of the country!
ReplyDeleteMe too, Kris! I like what you said about the texture...it's fun to walk on. We have some areas in the way back of the yard that are moss-covered instead of grass-covered. It's so comfy to walk on. Yes, spring is on the way!
DeleteI love mosses. I've a friend who has a moss lawn...It's beautiful. Gail
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Gail. I do see the bennies of having an entirely moss lawn. I'm not sure it would work with too much sun, but definitely in the shady and partial-shade areas. :)
DeleteI love mosses too and especially spring surprises!
ReplyDeleteYes, the spring surprises were great to see! I was worried about them with all the brutal cold we had this winter and very little snow cover. Looks like some of them made it through, anyway.
DeleteI love the bright green mosses !The soft ones that we would love to walk on with bare feet
ReplyDeleteMe, too. They're so fun to observe up close. And I also enjoy walking on them -- they provide a nice soft landing for the feet. :)
DeleteGreat post, Beth. Mosses are variable and many, thriving in a wide array of situations. I like your snowy mosses! Tina
ReplyDeleteHi Tina: Yes, the mosses are so adaptable and tough...and there are so many of them! It's fun to see them thriving even in the cold and under the snow!
DeleteThat an interesting post Beth, we have lots of moss growing including on the roof of the house. I love to see it colonise spots, and I shall try to show some of them on my SOS next week.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love a moss-covered roof! I agree--it's fascinating to study its colonizing patterns. I'll look forward to your SOS post. :)
DeleteYes, moss fascinates me! And the tiny funguses and that sort of thing!
ReplyDeleteI know: I could study them for hours. It's kind of therapeutic to view the details of these life forms.
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