Moss Madness

Think Cooper Flagg-level lockdown defense…Because nothing gets past this moss

Forsstroemia trichometria. Common North American moss species that is epiphytic, meaning that they grow on other plants (whether alive or dead) and get their moisture and nutrients from the air. Unlike parasites, which actively harm their hosts, epiphytes are just along for the ride, and don’t impact the health of their resident trees.

Your 5-man center—the tallest player on the court, commanding the paint

Polytrichum commune. One of the tallest species of moss, usually topping out at 4.5 inches, although it’s capable of growing even higher under ideal conditions. Its leaves resemble miniature pine trees.

A baseline alley-oop off an assist. What this moss can do is pretty amazing

Leucobryum albidum. Common species frequently found growing along the base of trees. Unlike other mosses, it can tolerate high and dry conditions, giving it an edge in upland locations. This moss is easy to pick out for its tendency to form green or gray pincushion-like spheres—each “cushion” is a miniature habitat for amphibians, insects and other small creatures.

This moss can set a pretty mean screen

Calliergonella lindbergii. Moss notable for its glossy sheen, especially when viewed up close under magnification. It grows in thick horizontal mats, forming dense colonies that do particularly well on rocks and other stone surfaces.

A super versatile player who can thrive in any position

Hypnum curvifolium. Prefers trees and rotting logs, though it’s adaptable and can thrive anywhere sufficiently moist and undisturbed. This species is also sometimes known as “feather moss” because of its fronds, but there are several species that also go by this common name, so we’ll stick with sheet moss.

Just check the scientific name. The GOAT 

Entodon seductrix. Lovely any time of year, but especially striking when it goes for the goal by sending up sporophytes, the elongated stalks that produce the spores that allow mosses to reproduce. Because they evolved millions of years before insects, most moss species are wind-pollinated, but scientists have recently discovered a few species that use tiny arthropods like mites and springtails to spread their spores.

Think of this moss as a player who is always in the right place at the right time

Plagiomnium cuspidatum. Abundant in warm, humid regions of North America, with distinctive pointed tips on its tiny leaves that are visible with a hand lens. Songbirds and salamanders frequently use toothed moss to line their nests, and researchers are investigating potential antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

This moss is another versatile player, but occasionally air balls—don’t we all?

Dicranum flagellare. Plays well with others. So well that it grows on other plants (whether alive or dead) and gets moisture and nutrients from the air.