Moss? Lichen? What is it?
green_vibes (z. 7/8)
4 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (13)
green_vibes (z. 7/8)
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Moss, ferns, lichen, and fungi!
Comments (19)Hey, Lee! Sorry for the late reply....I only stop by this Forum every few days or so. Anyhow, you'll have to forgive me but I know very little about moss species. I certainly love moss-habitats, though. As to your question regarding moss companions, I must recommend ferns! Since we are in a similar zone (7/8), I imagine that some of my fern species would work well for you, provided that these ferns are available. My favorite fern is Woodwardia fimbriata, the Giant Chainfern. Yes, it does consume a fair amount of water, but it is a fantastic plant that will help create a moist micro-climate in its immediate vicinity. As the name implies, this fern is a GIANT within four or five years. Three year-old plants are typically three feet tall by three feet wide. Under perfect conditions, Chainferns can grow to nine feet!!! (More often, six feet by six feet). So, if you have a big focal point, you might consider Woodwardia fimbriata. My next two suggestions are drought-tolerant ferns, which do quite well for me in northern California. Western sword fern, Polystichum munitum, is excellent for most applications. It grows into a nice, three by three foot mound, with attractive fronds most of the year. It will look ratty for a time, while the old fronds dry up and the new fronds unfurl. I have MANY sword ferns in my yard - I rely on them to fill spaces where other more sensitive plants might fail. The second drought-tolerant fern I recommend is known as Wood fern, or Dryopteris. I'm not sure of the exact species, but these grow superbly in dry oak woods (thus, wood fern, *dryops* meaning 'oak'). This fern is lighter green in color than the sword fern, and the fronds are more delicate. Generally, this fern only grows to about two to three feet. I grow them along the edge of the lawn, staggered with sword ferns, and as focal-pieces beside mossy oak-trunks/stumps or nice rocks. I also have several staged beneath redwoods and birches. I have about twenty of them, I'd guess (last time I went out to count, I was side-tracked by something or the other). In direct sunlight, they might stay rather compact for the first few years. To counter this, you might consider growing them in partial shade until they've sized up - either in-ground, or in containers. There are TONS of Dryopteris species, so you'll have to search around. I think mine *might be* Dryopteris spinulosa, but I could be wrong. Lastly, I'll recommend a fern that is new to me: the Alaskan fern, Polystichum setiferum. While this fern looks incredibly feathery and delicate, it is quite hardy....down to zone 5, I think. I have one in a container on my front deck, where it receives only post-noon sunlight. Mine has fronds approximately two feet long. In the summer, it is protected from direct sunlight by a large maple tree. I still haven't found the right place for it in the yard. I'll probably buy several of them this spring, as they are incredibly attractive. Josh...See MoreLichen (moss, fungi, algae) growing on bio-resin?
Comments (1)Okay, to get lichen to grow you get what's called lichen powder- it's a nutritional supplement. Lichen is a combination of a fungus, an algae, and something else. So you'll probably want to mix the lichen powder with spirulina which is also a nutritional supplement- it's like pond scum or algae. Mix them and paint them onto your invention thing. Moss grows from spores and you can get spores from a bonsai supply place but I couldn't get them to grow....See MoreMoss & lichen from hobby store
Comments (4)There's a lot of debate over this but I say yes. Getting the moss to grow is another story but usually there are spores in it that have been known to last up to 200 years....See MoreMosses, Lichens and Liverworts?
Comments (10)Annie thanks for the identifications I thought the red ones were "British Soldiers" too but I couldn't find this in my book, when I did a search I found... "British Soldiers" seem to be more an east coast lichen. I found "Cladonia coccifera" red pixie cup but my red one doesn't have the same cups as the greenish one, what do you think? OMG, I feel another addiction coming on, with all the rain we've been having this year there's probably a lot more of nature's beauties out there just waiting to be photographed. My cottage garden is a disaster this year from all the rain we've had, rose bud rotting before they even open, plants flopping over, spit bug on everything, mildew and aphids, I didn't know there were so many aphids. I refuse to spray so will be cutting everything back, the sun comes out and promises to stay for awhile but something keeps chasing it away. It'll probably turn dry and hot in July and fry all the too lush growth. Oh well, there's always next year :). In the meantime I will enjoy everyone else's gorgeous gardens. Annette...See Moregreen_vibes (z. 7/8)
4 years agofloral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
4 years agogreen_vibes (z. 7/8)
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agogreen_vibes (z. 7/8)
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
4 years ago
Related Stories
GREEN BUILDINGWorld of Design: The Joy of Moss and Its Modern Uses
This great design plant is 400 million years in the making. See how it’s inspiring art, soothing spaces and building design
Full StoryVACATION HOMESHouzz Tour: Moss-Covered Lakeside Cottage Now a Modern Marvel
A 1949 Michigan weekend cottage with a sunken roof gets a makeover that stays true to the house's humble roots
Full StoryNORTHWEST GARDENINGPacific Northwest Gardener's December Checklist
Relax, observe and appreciate the landscape — December is a wonderful month for gardeners
Full StoryGREENColor Guide: How to Work With Chartreuse
As earthy or electric as you please, this yellow-green hue brings the zing or just freshness to homes from traditional to modern
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNFor Garden Drama, Consider the Lowly Boulder
A boulder can be a thing of beauty in the landscape. Here are 10 ways to display them to full effect
Full StoryBUDGET DECORATING12 Easy Decorating Ideas Inspired by Nature
Budget goes beautiful with arrangements and projects drawn from the great outdoors
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNRoll With Boulders for High Landscape Impact
Go for big-league drama outdoors with oversize rocks in gardens, around pools and on patios
Full StoryEXTERIORSCare and Training for a Vine-Covered Home
Love the look but don’t want the ruin? Learn how to have vine-draped walls without all the cracks and crumbling
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGardening Solutions for Dry, Sandy Soils
Has your desert or beachy site withered your gardening creativity? Try these ideas for a beautiful, easy-care landscape
Full StoryMONTHLY HOME CHECKLISTSTo-Dos: Your January Home Checklist
It’s time to lighten up, cozy up and get organized as we head into a new year
Full Story
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK