Cushion Moss | Leucobryum Glaucum
Cushion Moss is the lovely, lush, and pillowy green moss you may find on rocks while hiking your favorite trails. This plant is a big fan of shady, moist environments and is a companion found often in shade landscapes.
The mounding effect of this plant is breathtaking and adds a bunch of whimsy when cultivated in gardens. Its stout leaf blades can range from deep green to a bright white, adding a layer of spiky texture. The mounds can be grown into perfect circles, or into intriguing shapes as they slowly spread to fill in the gaps around.
Plant Details - Cushion Moss
Family: Leucobryaceae
Light Requirement: Partial Shade - Full Shade
Water Needs: Moderate - High
Height: 2-4 in.
Spread: Forms dense clumps up to 12 inches wide or more
Growth Rate: Slow - Moderate
Wildlife Value: Retains beneficial moisture, provides habitats for microscopic creatures
This plant is a steady, slower grower with a horizontally spreading habit. The leaves are extremely dense and short, only a few millimeters long, and are what give the plant a unique appearance and texture. Being a moss, it has a unique root structure known as a rhizoid. Instead of a normal root system, which burrows into soil to deliver nutrients to the plant, rhizoids are shallow and simply anchor the plant to the surrounding surface or substrate.
Because of the short roots, the area must be sufficiently moist at all times to ensure a constant water source.
Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Cushion Moss (Leucobryum Glaucum)
This plant has a high preference for acidic, sandy soils and requires a consistent source of moisture. Other than that, it is not picky. This plant is known for having the ability to regrow itself after being dislodged completely! This is what makes Cushion Moss a very popular pick not only for the landscape, but for decorative living terrariums as well.
The adaptability of this soft plant allows room for exploration. This plant will grow on many different substrates so long as they are not too loose or overwhelmingly nutrient-dense. Well-draining moist soil is optimal, but stone is another great option for cultivation when grown in humid environments.
Noteworthy Characteristics of Cushion Moss
From far away, Cushion Moss has a subtle beauty appearing as a soft and fluffy green cloud. But upon close inspection, you will notice the leaves are quite spiky in appearance, forming upwards micro-clumps that come together to form the larger mound structure.
Cushion Moss is known for its iconic circular presentation and can be used in all sorts of creative ways, whether in a garden or in a terrarium.
Customer Reviews
I received the moss and it was very green and beautiful
I ordered cushion moss from TN Nursery, and it was exceptional in quality. The moss established quickly and gave my shaded garden areas a lush, natural appearance. TN Nursery is my go-to for moss and plants.
The cushion moss from TN Nursery was packaged with care and arrived fresh and ready to plant. It spreads nicely and creates a beautiful, soft ground cover that enhances my woodland-style garden. Fantastic product.
TN Nursery delivered beautiful cushion moss that I used in my small Zen garden. It has a velvety, lush texture that elevates the entire space. The quality and freshness were far beyond what I expected.
The cushion moss from TN Nursery exceeded my expectations—it is thick, healthy, and vibrant. It covers shaded spots in my yard beautifully and enhances the natural design of my landscape. I highly recommend TN Nursery.
Is cushion moss easy to grow?
Yes, cushion moss is very easy to grow and care for. It thrives in shady, moist spots and quickly forms soft, round green mounds. Once established, it requires little maintenance and adds a lush, natural look to any garden or terrarium.
Does cushion moss spread?
Yes, cushion moss spreads gradually by extending tiny shoots that root as they grow. Over time, it forms dense, velvety mats that cover the soil beautifully. With consistent moisture and shade, it expands naturally and thrives with minimal care.
Are cushion plants moss?
Not all cushion plants are moss, but cushion moss is one of the most popular types. Cushion moss forms soft, rounded clumps that look like tiny green pillows. It’s a true moss that grows easily in shaded, moist environments and adds a charming touch to gardens and terrariums.
Exposure
Cushion Moss thrives in low to moderate light conditions. It prefers indirect sunlight or shaded areas, making it ideal for locations with filtered light or dappled shade. Direct sunlight can dry it out and cause it to become less lush.
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.
