21 Different Types of Moss with Pictures 

Moss is a plant with soft green leaves that grow from tiny bulbs. It’s often used as part of a landscaping project because it can survive in the shade and does not require much care. The following are different types of moss you might find on your property.

The “moss species identification” is a type of plant that is found in many different regions. There are 21 different types of moss with pictures.

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Mosses are tiny, non-flowering plants that grow in thick mats in dark and moist environments. To date, about 12,000 different varieties of moss have been found. 

Mosses may grow practically anyplace and are very low-maintenance to the point of impracticality. They may transform garden settings if used correctly. Moss may be used as a groundcover in gardens, along pathways, and around patio borders.

Our collection of 21 various varieties of moss will benefit all gardening enthusiasts, and they will be sure to discover the right match for their garden environment.

Haircap moss (common haircap moss) is a moss that

The wiry spiked stems of common haircap moss, which may grow up to 40 cm long, separate it from other evergreen perennials. This moss has the appearance of green pyrotechnics and is mainly found in moist acidic settings. 

This is one of the most noticeable forms of moss, and its size sets it out from other mosses. Other distinguishing features of this moss kind include: 

• Awns are missing from the tips of the leaves. 
• The leaf margins are serrated.
• The leaves’ topmost cells are notched rather than rounded.

Aside from these distinguishing characteristics, the leaves might be coloured brown or red depending on the weather. This plant may be found all year and will add beauty to any garden area. 

2. Peat Moss of Warnstorf

When grown in sufficient sunlight, Warnstorf’s peat moss is a thin, medium-sized moss with a purplish-red tint. Grow the moss in the shade, though, if you want it to be green. 

Peat mosses are the only moss species with a commercial value. Because of its capacity to absorb and deodorize liquid manure, this moss is often utilized as stable litter to assist prevent nitrogen loss. It also aids in the prevention of insect infestations. 

Finally, peat moss is utilized in the production of a wide range of products, including paper, woven textiles, gunpowder, and pyrotechnics. 

3. Wood Moss with a Glistening Sheen

Glistening wood moss is a bryophyte, which means it’s a plant without vascular systems or liquid-conducting tissues. It’s a bigger kind of moss that grows in vast patches in growing mats. 

This moss thrives in the shadow and will benefit from being planted under the canopy of trees or plants. This moss will expand up when the rain and humidity return, even if it is prone to shriveling in dry times. 

Glistening wood moss is most often used to cover gaps between logs in log homes and by florists in garden boxes. 

Fern Moss, No. 4 

Fern moss is one of the easiest mosses to cultivate, and it looks lovely in any setting. This plant, often known as delicate fern moss, is an excellent ground cover or accent. 

This is a fast-growing fern that, in most instances, develops a vivid green color, but it may also become a bright yellow color. It takes on a sick or lifeless aspect when dried, rather than a rich one. They quickly recover to their original shape after being rehydrated. This moss is prized for its velvety texture and unique leaf structure, and it has a wide range of applications. It’s ideal for producing a moss lawn or accenting a water feature such as a fountain or pond. This moss also looks great on wooden constructions and adds a beautiful accent to rocks, logs, and stone walls. 

Cord Moss (number 5) 

Cord moss is a kind of water moss that thrives in wet, shaded conditions. The structure of this species is what gives it the name cord moss. When wet, it has a twisted seta that untwists. 

This plant grows in thick patches or cushions in moist, dark, and chilly regions during the rainy season. It possesses radial symmetry with an axis or stem, leaves, and multicellular colorless branching rhizoids, which makes it even more appealing.

Multicellular, autotrophic, and shade tolerant, these ancient amphibious plants are multicellular, autotrophic, and shade tolerant. They also don’t have a circulatory system and reproduce by creating spores. This plant thrives in damp walls and rock crevices, making it an excellent landscaping choice. 

Rigid Beard Moss, No. 6 

The inflexible beard moss has black to green stems and may grow up to 2 cm in length. Its appearance may be characterized as a thick carpet of plaited green tresses, and it is one of the few exotic-looking mosses. 

To grow, it needs either partial shade or full shade. It will also grow nicely if planted in calcareous soil or limestone.

The aesthetic effects of this plant are mostly two:

• It appears neat and exhibits sparkling starlets on the surface when erect and perked.
• Hair has a wild and untamed appearance when it is low and knotted.

For optimal effects, use it as a ground cover or plant it between rocks and paving stones. 

Heath Star Moss, no. 7

This is one of the most well-known and widely distributed forms of moss. It produces dark green or practically black leaves that seem hoary when dried. Stems may grow up to 5 cm in length, although they are usually much shorter. When the leaves are moist, they are erect and straight; nevertheless, when they are dry, they are appressed, with the hair tip often reflexed. 

The nerve’s breadth ranges from 30 to 70% of the leaf’s width, and it emerges at the base or slightly above as a serrated, colorless hair point. Furthermore, fertile plants’ stems have larger nodes at the inflorescences and thin segments in between. 

It’s frequent on decaying logs and old fence posts, as well as thin soil along railroad lines, mining waste, shingle, and, in rare instances, roof tiles. 

Catherine’s Moss (number 8)

Catherine’s moss, commonly known as “Common Smoothcap,” is a peculiar moss with dark green leaves that are slender and pointed. These leaves may be anywhere from 1 to 7 cm long, with serrated edges on occasion. 

The leaves undulate when they are wet. When they dry, on the other hand, they become crisp. This plant’s spore capsules are 3-4mm long and feature a very pointed beak. These capsules are also cylindrical and curved in design, which adds to their appeal. 

This moss is often seen growing on bare soil or the root masses of upturned trees. 

Springy Turf Moss (nine) 

Springy grass moss is one of the most prevalent forms of moss, with shoots that may reach a length of 10-15 cm. The structure of its leaves allows it to be distinguished. 

The leaves are tapering at the top and curve at a straight angle back to the base. Furthermore, the leaves seem to stretch out in all directions from the stem, giving the shoots a star-like appearance. 

This moss may be found growing on lawns and meadows all around the globe. Small light green leaves with a thick hairy texture cover each stem, which is approximately five inches long and points in the opposite direction as the red stalks.

Because of its look, springy turf moss is sometimes known as “electrified cat’s tail.” 

Water Screw Moss (number 10)

The water screw moss is a yellowish-green moss that may reach a height of 1-3 cm. Because of its star-like structure, this moss resembles a small houseplant when seen through a magnifying glass. Not to mention the rosette of long and wide tongue-like leaves that give it its structure. 

It grows best in rocky or sandy soil, although it will also grow in clayey or heavy soil. Even in damp weather, try draping it over walls or hanging it from rocks to create the finest visual impact. 

Knight’s Plume Moss (#11)

Like bird feathers, the stems of the knight’s plume moss are symmetrical, thick, and branching. In addition, this light or yellow-green moss forms carpet-like regions that stand out among the vegetation.

Knight’s plume moss grows best in shaded, moist areas, and is most prevalent in mesic heath forests. It may be seen growing both on the ground and on top of rotting wood. Aside from that, the boreal zone is included in its distribution range.

Knight’s plume moss is designed to resemble the plumes knights used to wear on their helmets, hence the name.  

Finally, this ubiquitous woodland plant does not need any conservation measures, making it very easy to cultivate for novice DIY gardeners. 

Pincushion Moss is a kind of moss that grows in pincushion

Pincushion moss forms thick cushions of plants with a low dome shape that range in height from 12mm to 5 cm. The leaves of this plant ranges in color from light greyish-green to medium green, with pale green or brown stems. 

Grounds of rocky forests, shady slopes, forested bluffs and ridges, and well-rotted pine logs are all popular habitats for this plant. It coexists with other forms of moss, such as windswept broom moss or Ohio hair cap moss, in highland settings where oak trees are prevalent.

Baby Tooth Moss (#13)

This short-lived evergreen perennial bears horizontally oriented alternating leaves on both sides of a stem. It might resemble a little vascular plant with flattened or complanate leaves. When the leaves dry, they curl up and darken, making the moss seem unappealing. 

The leaves seem to be transparent because of the comparatively big cell bodies. Furthermore, these leaves contain fine sharp teeth along the edges, as well as a transparent membrane along the margins. 

Songbirds often utilize this moss to build their nests. It’s also used to line the insides of bird nests. This plant is also used by the four-toed salamander as a hummock for its eggs. 

American Tree Moss, No. 14

This popular and widely distributed moss is native to North America, where it grows in clumps of thick, velvety green rosette-shaped and sparkling little plants.

It spreads rapidly and has a dark green color, forming large carpets that may cover large tree trunks. It also clings to rocks well, completely covering them with its soft leaves.

For cultivating American tree moss, there are a few crucial requirements: 

• Because too much sunshine will turn it yellow, it should be in partial or dappled shade.
• Soil that is organically rich and humus-rich 

This moss, like other varieties of moss, is low-maintenance. It may be used as a groundcover to enhance the appearance of your yard. 

Spoon-Leaved Moss, No. 15

One of the most endangered moss species is spoon-leaved moss. It has a mat-forming glossy green to greenish yellow-brown leaves with creeping stems and climbing, entangled branches. 

In comparison to the other moss kinds, this plant is bigger and more stunning. The smooth, cylindrical look of its stems and branches, especially when dry, is its most distinguishing trait. 

It will look spectacular whether planted in the shade, in a container, or in rock gardens. In addition, when the light is intense, the moss takes on a lovely copper hue.

16. Mood Moss in the Wind

Dicranum scoparium is a fascinating moss that is widely referred to as “Mood Moss” because to its erratic appearance. When properly watered, it seems fluffy and alive; when dehydrated, it appears frail and brittle.

It forms thick clusters, and the leaves lean to one side, giving it a windswept look independent of moisture content.

Because of its distinctive appearance, vibrant green hue, and fantastic texture, this is an excellent accent plant for terrariums.

17. Bog Moss with Ribs

The ribbed bog moss is found largely in open wetland habitats. The majority of the biomass of the moss is held in its stems, which are plainly apparent. The stems become upright, spreading and clumping together to produce moss lawns. When planted between rocks or stones, or out of the gravel, these clusters resemble feathery spikes that appear lovely.

This plant has erect-spreading, ovate, and oblong-lanceolate leaves. Furthermore, the leaf edges are recurved, completely or faintly serrate at the apex. 

To improve its look, plant it near water, such as a spring or pond. 

Juniper Moss, no. 18

This moss is quite widespread, and it may be found on every continent. Juniper moss, unlike other mosses, prefers dry environments and is seldom seen growing in wet environments. It also grows well in open locations, although most mosses like to be sheltered. 

Dry meadows, wooded paths, quarries, and gravel, among other areas, are all good places to look for it. Although it has a pleasant look with spiky leaves in rosette-like patterns, some individuals may find the spikes ugly. 

To properly care for the plant, make sure it receives full sun to moderate shade, as well as wet to dry conditions. Above all, it needs acidic mineral soil with gravel or sand.

Bonus Tip: Planting it on sloping ground will benefit the plant. 

19. Tamarisk Moss (Common Tamarisk)

This moss has a lacy look to it. The leaves are fern-like with a beautiful yellow-green color. It also has black stems that stand out against the light green leaves. Unlike most mosses, which need acidic soil to survive, common tamarisk moss may thrive in neutral soil. On damp soils and rotting wood, it grows in dense tufts.

Aloe Haircap Moss (no. 20)

Aloe haircap moss has beautiful rosettes of fleshy light yellow-green triangular leaves that become copper in the middle.

They have a similar look to bromeliads and would make an ideal houseplant for small rooms. 

It makes a thick carpet with a “succulent” feel, and the capsules look fantastic. They have a pointed apex that rises well above the leaves and are large, white, and fluffy.

This is a beautiful moss that may be used as a focal point in fairy gardens, as a distinctive inhabitant of rock gardens, or to grow on rotting logs.

Fire Moss (number 21)

The fire moss grows in mounds and generates a thick moss carpet. It is known for producing new branches on top of old ones. It has thread-like leaves that start off brilliant green and become scarlet as it grows.

It also thrives on soils that are high in nitrogen. As a consequence, it may be seen growing in burned-out areas, which explains its name. 

Conclusion 

Moss is sometimes dismissed as little more than a haphazard collection of green plants. When the correct species of moss are selected, however, they can transform a garden landscape, demonstrating why mosses are still a favorite plant option among gardeners. 

Read this if you don’t have a garden landscape yet. To create a plan for your fantasy garden landscaping project, use these 7 free landscape design tools.

Moss is a type of plant that can grow on trees, rocks, and other surfaces. There are many different types of moss with different shapes and sizes. Reference: sheet moss.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you identify moss species?

A: Moss identification is a difficult task because mosses grow in complex habitats and many species of plants share the same names. In order to identify which plant you are looking at, use specific features such as leaf shape and coloration or flowering stalk patterns.

What is the most common type of moss?

A: Fern moss is the most common type of moss.

Are there different species of moss?

A: I dont know what a species is.

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