Types of Moss to Grow in Shady Arbors

Identification

• Mosses are simple plants that have no true roots, stems, flowers or fruit. They reproduce by spores, by sending out new shoots or by pieces of moss breaking off and starting new plants. Mosses are small plants that normally grow together in large clumps or sheets. Most prefer damp shade. Approximately 10,000 species of moss exist.

Cushion Moss

• A light green moss with a silvery-white shine is cushion moss (Leucobryum). It grows in round clumps and can tolerate partial sunlight, though it will do best in shade. It prefers sandy soil. Cushion moss is good for creating areas of interesting texture in your moss garden. Place it along the edges of your arbor or other shady garden structure to provide small focal points and pleasing color variation.

Hair Cap Moss

• Hair cap moss (Polytrichum) is named for the long, dense stems it produces, according to Sweetbrick. Unusually tall for a moss, hair cap can be taller than 12 inches. It is an attractive dark green, with some varieties having reddish stems and leaf tips. Hair cap moss can tolerate drier soil than many other mosses, making it a good choice for a dry, shady spot. Plant hair cap as a background moss in your shady arbor moss garden. Its height makes it ideal for a taller point of interest.

Sheet Moss

• The ability to tolerate light to medium foot traffic makes sheet moss (Hypnum) a good choice for the path leading up to your arbor, a green carpet between stepping stones or for placement under the arbor structure. Sheet moss is a bright medium green and very low growing. It prefers full shade and requires regular water. The most common moss used to replace lawn, sheet moss will give a pretty, cool and peaceful look to your backyard.