Moss for dry climate

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April 11, 20242 yr

Has anyone tried growing moss outdoors in dry climates? I read that species of the genus Racomitrium can tolerate drought and even full sun.

I imagine some moss covered rocks would complement very nice a dense garden.

Zone 9b: if you love it, cover it.

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April 11, 20242 yr

46 minutes ago, Than said:

Has anyone tried growing moss outdoors in dry climates? I read that species of the genus Racomitrium can tolerate drought and even full sun.

I imagine some moss covered rocks would complement very nice a dense garden.

Numerous types of both Bryophytic = Non- Vascular, and Lycophytic = Vascular - type of " Mosses " grow in arid places. Most do hang out where there is some shade though, and are only green during wetter periods of the year.

Bryophytic / Non Vascular Mosses would be those like Rock Moss ( Family Grimmiaceae ) like these:

Lycophytic ( Vascular Mosses ) include Spike, Club / Fir Mosses, and Quillworts.

Those Lycophytes within the Genus Selaginella would include species that can withstand hot, drought- prone places..

Numerous species here / other parts of in both N. and S. America. At least one that is common around the Mediterranean Basin, Mediterranean Clubmoss, Selaginella denticulata. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/153933-Selaginella-denticulata

AZ. Spikemoss, Selaginella arizonica, one of our common Spikemosses, AKA: " Selags " :

Growing below / around Mammillaria / Cochemiea grahamii

Covering the ground among decomposed Quartz rubble.

Not the easiest plants to cultivate, but it can be done.. Trick is timing collecting spores, processing them, then starting plants ..which can take some time to establish themselves / need lots of humidity / air movement .." Bryophytic " Mosses esp.

If you can find laptop - sized rocks which have colonies of either type started on them, even better..

Liverworts, another non vascular " Moss " relative in the Phylum Marchantiophyta, are common in shady nooks and cranies here as well.. Once the weather dries out, they disappear until moist and humid again.