|
|
In my area, the climate is cool enough and wet enough that many mosses thrive, though not with the dominance seen in the regions described above. With the exception of sphagnums, most of our local species are opportunists that colonize places too barren and exposed for larger plants. Just about every shaded tree trunk, outcrop, fallen log or stump is covered in mosses that survive the vicissitudes of these harsh microclimates because their simple physiology allows them to go completely dry or frozen for months in end with no harm. Two of the most common are Hypnum imponens and Thuidium delicatulum - both carpeting species that are easily transplanted to rotten stumps, logs, and low rocks. These protuberances in the wooded landscape offer mosses an important advantage - they elevate the tiny plants above deadly blanket of leaves that rains form the tree canopy every autumn. There is one thing that mosses cannot abide, and that is a smothering blanket of dead leaves or other debris. Big species like Hylocomium splendens (stair step moss) can push up through a scattering of fir needles, but no moss can handle the barrage of maple and oak leaves in deciduous forests. |
(left) Thuidium delicatulum on a rock and (right) Hypnum imponens covering an old pine stump (a bit of Dicranum scoparium is evident in the lower right) |