Which mosses should
I use?
The best mosses to be
used for propagation are those already growing in the immediate
vicinity. There are also many widespread genera of moss,
such as Polytrichum, Thuidium and Dicranum, which
respond well to propagation and transplantation. As few
nurseries sell mosses, the best area to find your mosses is in
your own backyard and roadcuts. As well, it is ideal to
gather mosses from a substrate similar to the area in which the
moss growth is desired. Using a variety of moss species
and genera will also increase the chances of finding a moss likely
to survive in its new home.
In the Pacific Northwest there are several species that grow well
in both moist, shady areas and sunny, exposed areas. Different
species prefer different substrates. The following is a
list of common mosses found in Western Oregon area which would
be well utilized in the formation of a moss garden or lawn:
Rock and sand substrates:
Racomitrium species;
especially Racomitrium canescens. These can thrive
in both sunny and semi-shaded areas.
Lawns:
Eurhynchium praelongum
Calliergonella cuspidate
Polytricum juniperinum
(See Mosses
in Lawns and Gardens section)
Concrete, brick or mortared rock:
Barbula vinealis
Tortula muralis
(See Mosses
on Rooftops and Mosses on Sidewalks
sections)
Remember, however, that knowing the particular species may be
less important than just collecting those mosses growing in similar
conditions. For further information on moss species see Schenk
(1997), Fletcher (1991),
and Massie (1996).