Broom Forkmoss | Dicranum Scoparium
Sweeping across shaded forest floors in a feathery display is Broom Forkmoss, a unique groundcover with many hidden talents. While exotic in appearance, it is native to North America, spreading indefinitely through understated, moist, and shaded landscapes. It can even be found thriving on top of decaying wood, breathing new hope into an area. Bring forth and elevate your space with the intrigue of broom forkmoss by cultivating it in your garden, landscape, or indoor terrarium.

Plant Details - Broom Forkmoss (Dicranum Scoparium)
Family: Dicranaceae
Light Requirement: Partial Shade- Full Shade
Water Needs: Moderate
Height: 1-3 in.
Spread: Indefinite
Growth Rate: Moderate
Wildlife Value: Provides nesting material for birds, habitat for small creatures, and stabilizes soil to prevent erosion
The leaves of this plant range across the entire green spectrum, depending on the health of the environment. In optimal conditions, the leaves are a deep, solid green color. Because of this, the moss is used as an indicator species by scientists assessing the overall health of a forest. This moss serves many critical functions in an ecosystem as a low-growing habitat for small critters. It also enhances the local humidity in a habitat, and its dense mats stabilize the soil and substrate it grows upon.
Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Broom Forkmoss (Dicranum Scoparium)
Broom Forkmoss is an effective groundcover, slowly spreading horizontally to fill in any space it’s given on a substrate. It requires a consistent source of moisture and humidity to thrive at its best. Broom Forkmoss is also extremely desirable to grow indoors as it possesses the ability to purify the air, further setting itself apart from other moss species.
When grown in terrariums or containers indoors, this plant works to capture and filter out environmental pollutants. This is a truly multi-purpose plant that looks awesome.
Noteworthy Characteristics of Broom Forkmoss
Broom Forkmoss stands out with velvety tufts of leaves shaped just like the cleaning appliance itself. Upon close inspection, it has a slightly wild appearance that stands out from other mosses, enhancing the biodiversity of the ecosystem.
Customer Reviews
I’m very impressed with the Broom Forkmoss from TN Nursery. It arrived fresh, green, and packed securely. It’s thriving in my shaded garden and adds an elegant touch of natural green ground cover. The customer service and shipping were excellent too.
The Broom Forkmoss I purchased from TN Nursery is thriving beautifully. It’s lush, vibrant, and adds a wonderful soft texture to my shaded landscape. It retains moisture well, helping my garden flourish. I highly recommend this product for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor space.
This Broom Forkmoss from TN Nursery was exactly what I needed for my moist, shaded garden areas. It arrived dense and healthy, ready to plant. It’s been thriving in my garden, providing excellent erosion control and a beautiful green carpet.
I’ve ordered moss from several nurseries, but TN Nursery’s Broom Forkmoss stands out for freshness and quality. It shipped quickly and arrived lush and moist. It’s now thriving in my shaded garden, providing beautiful natural ground cover with minimal maintenance.
I am so pleased with the Broom Forkmoss from TN Nursery. It arrived in great condition and has quickly established in my garden. The soft, delicate texture creates a stunning visual effect and keeps the soil moist. Ideal for shade and easy landscaping.
What zone is broom fork moss in?
Broom Forkmoss (Dicranum scoparium) can grow outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9.
How to grow broom fork moss?
Broom Fork Moss grows best in shady, moist areas with acidic, well-drained soil. To plant it, gently press the moss onto the soil surface and mist it regularly to keep it damp. Once established, it spreads naturally, forming soft, green mats that stay lush and vibrant year-round.
Is broom fork moss difficult to care for?
Broom Fork Moss is very easy to care for and thrives with minimal attention. It enjoys consistent moisture and light shade, making it perfect for natural, low-maintenance gardens. Once it settles in, it stays green and healthy throughout the year.
Exposure
Broom Forkmoss thrives in partial to full shade. It prefers low-light conditions and is ideal for shaded areas under trees or in woodland gardens. Ensure it has consistent moisture and well-drained soil for optimal growth.
Height at Maturity
Under 6 Inches
Usage
Shade Groundcover
Shipped As
Bare-root
Ships
UPS
Planting Zones
3-9
How To Grow
How to Grow and Care for Moss
Moss is a timeless, low-maintenance plant that brings a soft, green carpet to shaded gardens, woodland paths, stone walls, and water features. Unlike traditional plants, moss doesn't have roots—it absorbs water and nutrients directly through its leaves—making it ideal for moist, acidic soils and areas with poor fertility. To grow moss successfully, choose a shaded or partially shaded location with consistent humidity and minimal foot traffic.
Prepare the site by clearing debris and lightly roughing up the soil or surface to help the moss adhere. Gently press live moss onto the area, mist with water, and keep it consistently moist for several weeks to encourage establishment. Moss prefers rainwater or distilled water, as tap water may contain minerals that hinder growth.
Once established, moss requires very little care—no mowing, fertilizing, or pruning. Simply keep it moist and remove any fallen leaves or debris to prevent smothering. With its rich texture and calming appearance, moss adds a natural elegance and sense of tranquility to any landscape.