Fern Moss
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Provides natural erosion control benefits
Low-maintenance and hardy plant choice
Excellent for shaded garden areas
We do not ship this plant to the following states:
CA.Ships in
7-10 DaysFern Moss for Sale | Thuidium delicatulum Groundcover
Upon touching Fern Moss, you will quickly appreciate its lacey, feathery leaves. Its scientific name is Thuidium delicatulum, with its species name ‘delicatulum’ aptly describing its delicate appeal. While it is not a type of fern, the leaflets pose a dashing resemblance to the plant. It is found growing in the wild all over North America, decorating creek sides and forest floors with its artistic whimsy.
Plant Details of Fern Moss (Thuidium delicatulum)
Family: Thuidiaceae
Light Requirement: Partial Shade – Full Shade
Water Needs: Moderate - High
Height: 1-3 cm., with individual stems horizontally growing up to 4 in. long
Spread: Indefinite
Growth Rate: Moderate - Fast
Wildlife Value: Provides critical shelter for small critters, retains beneficial moisture, benefits soil quality
Like many mosses, this plant fulfills a critical role in ecosystems. It harbors crucial moisture that small invertebrates and amphibians rely on. Its dense mats and long, overlapping leaves work to prevent erosion, stabilizing the soil in shady, moist areas.
The leaflets can be lightly serrated, further enhancing their similarities to true ferns. While it is low-growing and horizontally spreads through rhizoid roots, individual stems can be a few inches long.
Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Fern Moss
This moss is most often grown as a groundcover for difficult terrain. It can be grown on slopes, on top of rocks in rock gardens, or simply grown under trees. Fern Moss is low maintenance, requiring only a reliable amount of moisture to proliferate at its best. The leaves are saturated with beauty, making this moss a very popular choice grown in terrariums for up-close observation.
Noteworthy Characteristics of Fern Moss (Thuidium delicatulum)
Fern Moss is also sometimes known as feather moss since the leaves form the distinct shape of a quill pen. Upon even closer inspection, the leaflets are in the shape of Christmas trees.
Even though this moss continuously spreads evenly in a carpeted habit, the distinct individual leaf shapes give the illusion of fern mounds growing along the landscape, fulfilling several aesthetic roles in one moss.
This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery
Height at Maturity
Under 6 Inches
Care
Fern Moss thrives in well-drained, moist soil and benefits from consistent watering. Keep the soil evenly moist, and ensure good air circulation to prevent rot. Regularly trim any dead or overgrown fronds to encourage healthy growth.
Plant Reproduction
Fern Moss spreads by releasing spores from its tiny capsules.
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.
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Fern Moss
We do not ship this plant to the following states:
CA.Ships in
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Why You’ll Love This Fern Moss
Lush Green Carpet:
Fern Moss creates a dense, vibrant green carpet that adds a touch of natural elegance to any garden. Its soft, velvety texture enhances the aesthetic appeal, making your garden feel like a serene woodland retreat.
Erosion Control:
Its dense growth helps prevent soil erosion on slopes and in other vulnerable areas. By stabilizing the soil, Fern Moss protects your landscape while adding beauty and texture.
Natural Insulator:
Fern Moss acts as a natural insulator, keeping the soil cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This helps protect delicate plants and improves overall garden resilience throughout the year.
Non-Invasive Growth:
Unlike some ground covers, Fern Moss grows in a non-invasive manner, spreading gently without overtaking other plants. This makes it easy to manage and integrate into your garden design without worry.
