Moss Benefits Your Shade Garden

by Tammy Sons – March 22, 2022

Moss thrives in moist soils and shade and has a long history of medicinal use. An evergreen species belongs to the kingdom Cryptogamae. It is found worldwide, from mountains to deserts, tropics, and boreal forests. There are about 1285 moss varieties that are known to date.

Mosses are adapted for life on rocks, tree trunks, or soil in moist environments where water does not evaporate quickly; some grow as floating plants on water surfaces. They do not tolerate prolonged exposure to direct sunlight - they need protection from intense sunlight because it leads to desiccation and death of the plant.

Here is the most popular native moss to use in gardens: Carpet Moss (Mnium hornum), Cushion Moss (Leucobryum glaucum), Haircap Moss (Polytrichum commune), Rock Cap Moss (Dicranum scoparium), Sheet Moss (Hypnum cupressiforme), Fern Moss (Thuidium delicatulum), and Reindeer Moss (Cladonia rangiferina). These mosses are excellent for creating lush, green garden floors and adding a natural, low-maintenance ground cover.

Fern mosses, also referred to as "true" mosses, can be found worldwide in tropical.

Moss is an evergreen ground cover and is a unique plant. This species is different from other plants because it doesn't have leaves or flowers. It has tiny green structures called chloroplasts that provide energy to mosses and make them grow. Moss can be used in many ways, including ground cover when plants need a shady spot to grow, such as under trees, on logs or rocks, and around ponds and gardens.

Moss is a low-growing, soft, spongy, or feathery plant usually grows in moist and shady areas. They are around the size of a fingernail or more minor. Mosses have roots but no leaves, stems, or flowers. Moss is a common sight. It can be seen growing on tree bark and leaves, at the base of trees, in running water, and near the edge of streams.

Mosses are one of more than 25,000 types of plants living on Earth. These plants are not related to mosses, but they all belong to the kingdom Plantae. They don't have flowers or seeds like other plants, but they still produce oxygen like other photosynthetic organisms. Mostly they live in moist soils or shade and thrive in temperate regions where there is slight annual temperature variation.

It's thought of as a simple plant that is often overlooked; however, the species has many capabilities that make it very useful to humans. For example, moss can survive in moist soils and shade environments. It can help cool the surrounding area by capturing high grass and releasing it during cooler periods. Moss also has many other ecological benefits like being a food source for animals and plants, helping maintain moisture levels in the soil, stabilizing water runoff, and providing shading for plants too sensitive to survive under direct sunlight. In light of these benefits, moss should be considered an integral part of any ecosystem.

It is a type of natural growth found in most parts of the world and is typically categorized based on the type of substrate they grow well in soil, rock, and tree. The spores (tops) are usually green, but some types, such as those found in the genus Scopelophila, can have reddish-browns or browns growing on soil. Most mosses grow in forests, gardens, and moist soils. Some species prefer shady areas, while others prefer more direct sunlight.

The best thing about mosses is that they are largely self-sufficient and don't require any pruning or maintenance from humans to stay healthy. They are also easy to maintain as people can rake them off the ground and use them again in other areas simply by placing them on moist soils, rock cap mosses, or fern mosses.

As moss grows, it benefits your garden, including better soil quality, improved plant growth, and protection against erosion. Moss is budget-friendly too! Moss mats or sheet moss are easy to procure, plant, and grow. They grow best in moist soils and shade.

Some mosses prefer to live on rocks, while other types of moss love to cover tree trunks with their blanket-like texture. There are a few different species of moss underneath the soil that thrive. Fern moss grows on forest floors and sometimes on tree trunks near the base. Cushion moss prefers sunny spots along stream banks and low banks with no trees for shade. Sheet moss is like humid conditions under rocks or logs.

Products from the article

Carpet Moss - TN Nursery

Carpet Moss

Carpet Moss is a thick, dense, low-growing, and lush green moss species commonly found in shaded, damp environments, forming a dense carpet-like ground cover. It grows densely, creating a low-lying, velvety mat that adds a touch of tranquility to any garden or landscape. It is a versatile and aesthetically pleasing species offering numerous landscaping benefits. It primarily serves as a natural ground cover and an attractive addition to various outdoor spaces in landscaping. Carpet Moss Creates Dense Carpets of Greenery Carpet moss gets its name from its ability to create thick, soft stretches. As it grows across the soil, it creates a charming look reminiscent of high-quality mats. It only grows to one inch in height, so it always has a low, uniform look. It clusters together into such tightly packed mats that you often cannot see the soil underneath, making it an ideal ground cover option. Its rich, emerald green shades help a property look as lively and appealing as possible. It tends to look like a lush, green rug from far away. However, if you look closely at this plant, you'll notice that it consists of dense clusters of small plants. Tiny, feathery fronds peek out of the plant, creating a subtle texture that adds visual appeal to your landscape. Mature can include a blend of bright green, newer stalks, and golden brown, older stalks. All these gentle variations in hue allow it to look even more vibrant and attractive in your yard. How to Landscape With Carpet Moss It is one of the most exciting and versatile plants for a landscape. Some property owners find it can entirely replace grass and create a lush lawn. It is also a charming addition to garden features. Consider setting it between checkerboard pavers to create a life-size chessboard or adding it to a rock garden to create a magical forest appearance. The unique structure of it even allows it to grow over boulders and tree stumps, so landscapers aren't just limited to patches of earth. Adding a whimsical, organic look to your rocks or trees can create a charming pop of green on your property. Enjoy Carpet Moss Throughout the Year As an evergreen perennial, Carpet Moss looks stunning at any time of year. Even in winter, it continues to appear soft and carpet-like. It always maintains its bright, emerald green and golden brown shades, so your property looks lush and colorful even when other plants are dormant.
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Cushion Moss - TN Nursery

Cushion Moss

Cushion moss is a low-growing, densely matted plant that forms a lush green ground cover in shady, moist environments. It's a versatile evergreen ground cover with numerous air-cleaning benefits. Its distinctive formation and adaptability make it a favored choice for enhancing outdoor spaces in water gardens and features, shade, and damp areas. Cushion Moss Has Breathtaking Looks Cushion Moss grows in thick, pillow-shaped mounds that are at least as big as a pincushion. These mounds can grow up to a foot in diameter. The new stems are long and pointed in winter or late autumn. Their beaked, blunt end caps and golden to reddish brown shades are telltale signs of maturity. They are vibrant green and also form dense, round cushions. They can split off and grow into new plants, a process known as fragmentation, which helps with asexual reproduction. This is how the plant can cover such a large area so fast. The dense foliage that this form provides shelter and protection to various animals and tiny organisms. They retain moisture, creating ideal microclimates for insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. These microclimates help to build more significant habitats for larger species. They even act as a thick layer of insulation, reducing the impact of severe temperatures and creating a steady habitat for creatures who live on or under it. Because of their insulating qualities and gentle texture, they are a favored nesting material for many tiny animals and birds. They absorb pollutants from the air, making them excellent natural air purifiers. Tiny, hair-like structures known as rhizoids and papillae cover the surface, serving as a net for airborne dust and catching it on the surface. The structure then uses capillary action and microbial processes to digest and decompose the particles after they are within it. They also have bacteria that can transform pollution into usable biomass. Get Rid of Weeds With Cushion Moss It is an excellent weed suppressor because it can form a physical barrier, release allelopathic chemicals, and shade the soil. Their enhanced ability to better compete with weeds for nutrients also contributes to their weed suppression abilities. In addition to stabilizing the dirt and stopping plant colonization, their thick growth habit further prevents weed seed germination. Cushion Moss, also known as a pincushion, is a type of low-growing plant that is very densely packed together. Its primary role is to serve as an evergreen covering over the ground, offering numerous cleansing benefits for the air. It’s highly adaptable to various gardens and landscapes and naturally welcoming and inviting. Beyond its lush appearance, it also serves a primary role in the ecosystem of many frogs, insects, and spiders. It can help contribute to a healthy and vibrant garden. Officially called leucobryum glaucum, it is native to the forests of North America. It thrives the best in moist areas with plenty of shade but can do well with minimal sunlight. It also prefers soil that is a bit more sandy and less dense. You’ll most commonly find it in moist gardens, rock gardens, alongside pathways, or near water areas. It is instantly recognizable for its green color, which sometimes has a tint of blue. The drier it gets. However, the more the blue tint begins to fade, the lighter the green will become. In many ways, it is like nature’s carpet. It’s very soothing to step barefoot over and help you connect with nature. For this reason, its luxuriant appearance can turn a dull landscape into a pleasant and soothing one. What is the Appeal of Cushion Moss To Gardeners It offers many benefits for gardeners beyond its plush feel or verdant appearance. It acts as a natural mulch to keep weed growth to a minimum and help the soil beneath it retain moisture. This allows the soil in gardens to remain hydrated even during drought. Another benefit to it is how low maintenance it is. It only requires minimal pruning and watering to maintain its vibrancy. This makes it a good choice for those who want a lush landscape that doesn’t require much care. It is a low-maintenance plant that will help protect your soil, promote a healthy ecosystem, and create a welcoming environment for your landscape or garden.
From $33.99
From $33.99
Fern Moss - TN Nursery

Fern Moss

Fern Moss displays feathery, fern-like fronds and is often found in damp and shady environments. It resembles miniature forest ferns. This delightful and beneficial plant for landscaping projects belongs to the Bryophyte family and thrives in wet and shady environments, making it a perfect choice for various landscaping applications. It is known for its delicate appearance. These plants are widely distributed throughout North America and often add color and beauty to shady, humid gardens. Natural Habitat Of Fern Moss It forms lush, branching carpets on decomposing logs, rocks, and patches of damp soil. They can flourish in various moist, shady environments all year round. They are commonly found along mountain streams and river banks, on hillsides and ravines, underneath trees, and on forest floors. It has feathery triangular fronds arranged in a triple-pinnate structure, with central stems that grow up to 3½" long. The fronds consist of tiny, bumpy leaves that give the fern moss a slightly rough appearance and branch out to create a layered mat with a soft, plush texture. The fronds intertwine to create a colony with a three-dimensional profile. The leaves tend to open in humid air, but they contract against their parent stem or branch in dry air. It can display a spectrum of colors, changing from golden brown to dull yellow-green to bright, then deep green shade and moisture increase. To propagate themselves, they create sporophytes that mature and release spores that can grow into new plants. As they establish themselves, they grow fibrous rhizoids that attach to their new substrates. These thin, root-like rhizoids anchor the plants and pull nutrients and moisture into the fronds. Fern Moss Adds Graceful Charm It can create a tranquil aesthetic and lend a graceful charm to cultivated areas in your landscape. Gardeners often use it as a ground cover in tree-filled areas. This plant can add color and texture to rock gardens and shady regions while providing winter greenery patches. It is a beautiful choice if you're looking to create a microhabitat for small animals in your garden. Songbirds like swallows, vireos, juncos, robins, and warblers use the fronds in their nests to protect their hatchlings and conceal them from predators. Forest Up Your Garden with Fern Moss Adding Fern Moss to your garden is a lovely way to bring the freshness of the forest into your landscape and enhance your time outdoors.
From $33.99
From $33.99
Reindeer Moss - TN Nursery

Reindeer Moss

Reindeer Moss is a grayish-white lichen often found in arctic and subarctic regions. It provides essential forage for reindeer and caribou. Reindeer moss is a unique and versatile organism that offers several benefits when utilized in landscaping projects. Its distinctive appearance and hardy nature make it a popular choice for enhancing outdoor spaces in creative and sustainable ways. The Beauty of Reindeer Moss Reindeer Moss is a hearty organism known for its unusual color and elegant appearance. Known for its unique shape, this light-colored fruticose organism grows on forest floors and rocky landscapes in subarctic and arctic regions. Despite the name, this organism is not a plant—Lichen forms from the symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi. Gardeners can bring a touch of this lichen's magic to their gardens and landscaping. It gets its name from its unique shape. The lichen's shape resembles a reindeer's antlers. This organism consists of a base known as a squamule. Squamules are scaly green structures that spread along the ground. They are soft to the touch. On the tips of the lichen's branching stems, brown knobs produce spores. As the lichen grows, it forms soft, tight clusters. It can grow up to three inches high. Colors of Reindeer Moss Gardeners can find this lichen in a variety of shades. Bright gray varieties are reminiscent of this beautiful lichen's arctic origin. Other available colors include white, cream, yellow-gray, and yellow-green. Adding Reindeer Moss to Your Landscaping It can add depth to any landscaping project. The lichen creates a variety of stunning colors and textures. When it is wet, it feels soft and spongy. The green base appears bold and vibrant. As the lichen dries, the texture changes to brittle and scaly. Reindeer Moss's distinctive form and texture add graphic interest to indoor and outdoor spaces. The lichen can make urban projects like green roofs and living walls more visually appealing. Rock gardens can benefit from the lichen's soft and spongy texture. This organism contrasts with rock and gravel hardscaping. This element of softness complements the peaceful environment of Zen gardens and meditation spaces. It can add interest to indoor spaces. The lichen's compact size makes it appropriate for small indoor projects like terrariums. It is a stunning addition to any space, from ground cover to gardens. This unique organism gives indoor and outdoor environments an element of texture and color.
From $33.99
From $33.99
Carpet Moss - TN Nursery

Carpet Moss

Carpet Moss is a thick, dense, low-growing, and lush green moss species commonly found in shaded, damp environments, forming a dense carpet-like ground cover. It grows densely, creating a low-lying, velvety mat that adds a touch of tranquility to any garden or landscape. It is a versatile and aesthetically pleasing species offering numerous landscaping benefits. It primarily serves as a natural ground cover and an attractive addition to various outdoor spaces in landscaping. Carpet Moss Creates Dense Carpets of Greenery Carpet moss gets its name from its ability to create thick, soft stretches. As it grows across the soil, it creates a charming look reminiscent of high-quality mats. It only grows to one inch in height, so it always has a low, uniform look. It clusters together into such tightly packed mats that you often cannot see the soil underneath, making it an ideal ground cover option. Its rich, emerald green shades help a property look as lively and appealing as possible. It tends to look like a lush, green rug from far away. However, if you look closely at this plant, you'll notice that it consists of dense clusters of small plants. Tiny, feathery fronds peek out of the plant, creating a subtle texture that adds visual appeal to your landscape. Mature can include a blend of bright green, newer stalks, and golden brown, older stalks. All these gentle variations in hue allow it to look even more vibrant and attractive in your yard. How to Landscape With Carpet Moss It is one of the most exciting and versatile plants for a landscape. Some property owners find it can entirely replace grass and create a lush lawn. It is also a charming addition to garden features. Consider setting it between checkerboard pavers to create a life-size chessboard or adding it to a rock garden to create a magical forest appearance. The unique structure of it even allows it to grow over boulders and tree stumps, so landscapers aren't just limited to patches of earth. Adding a whimsical, organic look to your rocks or trees can create a charming pop of green on your property. Enjoy Carpet Moss Throughout the Year As an evergreen perennial, Carpet Moss looks stunning at any time of year. Even in winter, it continues to appear soft and carpet-like. It always maintains its bright, emerald green and golden brown shades, so your property looks lush and colorful even when other plants are dormant.
From $33.99
From $33.99
Cushion Moss - TN Nursery

Cushion Moss

Cushion moss is a low-growing, densely matted plant that forms a lush green ground cover in shady, moist environments. It's a versatile evergreen ground cover with numerous air-cleaning benefits. Its distinctive formation and adaptability make it a favored choice for enhancing outdoor spaces in water gardens and features, shade, and damp areas. Cushion Moss Has Breathtaking Looks Cushion Moss grows in thick, pillow-shaped mounds that are at least as big as a pincushion. These mounds can grow up to a foot in diameter. The new stems are long and pointed in winter or late autumn. Their beaked, blunt end caps and golden to reddish brown shades are telltale signs of maturity. They are vibrant green and also form dense, round cushions. They can split off and grow into new plants, a process known as fragmentation, which helps with asexual reproduction. This is how the plant can cover such a large area so fast. The dense foliage that this form provides shelter and protection to various animals and tiny organisms. They retain moisture, creating ideal microclimates for insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. These microclimates help to build more significant habitats for larger species. They even act as a thick layer of insulation, reducing the impact of severe temperatures and creating a steady habitat for creatures who live on or under it. Because of their insulating qualities and gentle texture, they are a favored nesting material for many tiny animals and birds. They absorb pollutants from the air, making them excellent natural air purifiers. Tiny, hair-like structures known as rhizoids and papillae cover the surface, serving as a net for airborne dust and catching it on the surface. The structure then uses capillary action and microbial processes to digest and decompose the particles after they are within it. They also have bacteria that can transform pollution into usable biomass. Get Rid of Weeds With Cushion Moss It is an excellent weed suppressor because it can form a physical barrier, release allelopathic chemicals, and shade the soil. Their enhanced ability to better compete with weeds for nutrients also contributes to their weed suppression abilities. In addition to stabilizing the dirt and stopping plant colonization, their thick growth habit further prevents weed seed germination. Cushion Moss, also known as a pincushion, is a type of low-growing plant that is very densely packed together. Its primary role is to serve as an evergreen covering over the ground, offering numerous cleansing benefits for the air. It’s highly adaptable to various gardens and landscapes and naturally welcoming and inviting. Beyond its lush appearance, it also serves a primary role in the ecosystem of many frogs, insects, and spiders. It can help contribute to a healthy and vibrant garden. Officially called leucobryum glaucum, it is native to the forests of North America. It thrives the best in moist areas with plenty of shade but can do well with minimal sunlight. It also prefers soil that is a bit more sandy and less dense. You’ll most commonly find it in moist gardens, rock gardens, alongside pathways, or near water areas. It is instantly recognizable for its green color, which sometimes has a tint of blue. The drier it gets. However, the more the blue tint begins to fade, the lighter the green will become. In many ways, it is like nature’s carpet. It’s very soothing to step barefoot over and help you connect with nature. For this reason, its luxuriant appearance can turn a dull landscape into a pleasant and soothing one. What is the Appeal of Cushion Moss To Gardeners It offers many benefits for gardeners beyond its plush feel or verdant appearance. It acts as a natural mulch to keep weed growth to a minimum and help the soil beneath it retain moisture. This allows the soil in gardens to remain hydrated even during drought. Another benefit to it is how low maintenance it is. It only requires minimal pruning and watering to maintain its vibrancy. This makes it a good choice for those who want a lush landscape that doesn’t require much care. It is a low-maintenance plant that will help protect your soil, promote a healthy ecosystem, and create a welcoming environment for your landscape or garden.
From $33.99
From $33.99
Fern Moss - TN Nursery

Fern Moss

Fern Moss displays feathery, fern-like fronds and is often found in damp and shady environments. It resembles miniature forest ferns. This delightful and beneficial plant for landscaping projects belongs to the Bryophyte family and thrives in wet and shady environments, making it a perfect choice for various landscaping applications. It is known for its delicate appearance. These plants are widely distributed throughout North America and often add color and beauty to shady, humid gardens. Natural Habitat Of Fern Moss It forms lush, branching carpets on decomposing logs, rocks, and patches of damp soil. They can flourish in various moist, shady environments all year round. They are commonly found along mountain streams and river banks, on hillsides and ravines, underneath trees, and on forest floors. It has feathery triangular fronds arranged in a triple-pinnate structure, with central stems that grow up to 3½" long. The fronds consist of tiny, bumpy leaves that give the fern moss a slightly rough appearance and branch out to create a layered mat with a soft, plush texture. The fronds intertwine to create a colony with a three-dimensional profile. The leaves tend to open in humid air, but they contract against their parent stem or branch in dry air. It can display a spectrum of colors, changing from golden brown to dull yellow-green to bright, then deep green shade and moisture increase. To propagate themselves, they create sporophytes that mature and release spores that can grow into new plants. As they establish themselves, they grow fibrous rhizoids that attach to their new substrates. These thin, root-like rhizoids anchor the plants and pull nutrients and moisture into the fronds. Fern Moss Adds Graceful Charm It can create a tranquil aesthetic and lend a graceful charm to cultivated areas in your landscape. Gardeners often use it as a ground cover in tree-filled areas. This plant can add color and texture to rock gardens and shady regions while providing winter greenery patches. It is a beautiful choice if you're looking to create a microhabitat for small animals in your garden. Songbirds like swallows, vireos, juncos, robins, and warblers use the fronds in their nests to protect their hatchlings and conceal them from predators. Forest Up Your Garden with Fern Moss Adding Fern Moss to your garden is a lovely way to bring the freshness of the forest into your landscape and enhance your time outdoors.
From $33.99
From $33.99
Reindeer Moss - TN Nursery

Reindeer Moss

Reindeer Moss is a grayish-white lichen often found in arctic and subarctic regions. It provides essential forage for reindeer and caribou. Reindeer moss is a unique and versatile organism that offers several benefits when utilized in landscaping projects. Its distinctive appearance and hardy nature make it a popular choice for enhancing outdoor spaces in creative and sustainable ways. The Beauty of Reindeer Moss Reindeer Moss is a hearty organism known for its unusual color and elegant appearance. Known for its unique shape, this light-colored fruticose organism grows on forest floors and rocky landscapes in subarctic and arctic regions. Despite the name, this organism is not a plant—Lichen forms from the symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi. Gardeners can bring a touch of this lichen's magic to their gardens and landscaping. It gets its name from its unique shape. The lichen's shape resembles a reindeer's antlers. This organism consists of a base known as a squamule. Squamules are scaly green structures that spread along the ground. They are soft to the touch. On the tips of the lichen's branching stems, brown knobs produce spores. As the lichen grows, it forms soft, tight clusters. It can grow up to three inches high. Colors of Reindeer Moss Gardeners can find this lichen in a variety of shades. Bright gray varieties are reminiscent of this beautiful lichen's arctic origin. Other available colors include white, cream, yellow-gray, and yellow-green. Adding Reindeer Moss to Your Landscaping It can add depth to any landscaping project. The lichen creates a variety of stunning colors and textures. When it is wet, it feels soft and spongy. The green base appears bold and vibrant. As the lichen dries, the texture changes to brittle and scaly. Reindeer Moss's distinctive form and texture add graphic interest to indoor and outdoor spaces. The lichen can make urban projects like green roofs and living walls more visually appealing. Rock gardens can benefit from the lichen's soft and spongy texture. This organism contrasts with rock and gravel hardscaping. This element of softness complements the peaceful environment of Zen gardens and meditation spaces. It can add interest to indoor spaces. The lichen's compact size makes it appropriate for small indoor projects like terrariums. It is a stunning addition to any space, from ground cover to gardens. This unique organism gives indoor and outdoor environments an element of texture and color.
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