Mysterious Moss
What is moss?
Moss is basically a short plant that likes to cling to the surface of rocks, soil, and even rooftops!
Where does moss grow?
Moss loves shady wet forest floors and foggy areas, but can surprisingly grow everywhere globally from the arctic to deserts to tropical forest and most places where there is water. You may have seen moss on rocks, forest floors, and even on tile and rooftops!
How it works
- Moss stays small because they are are non-vascular plants which means they don't have lignin in their cells like larger plants do. Lignin is what gives plant cells a thick strong structure and allows them to stand up beyond a few centimeters.
- Their thin cells also allow them to get nutrients directly from the water and air around them.
- They can even dry out, and then, when water comes back, fluff up again!
The Gifts of Moss
How does moss help us?
Moss helps so many areas of our ecosystem, including...
Tardigrades
Moss is home to many microscopic animals, including, the toughest animals on earth.
Activities
Explore our parks!
With your adult, print this pocket guide and see if you can spot some moss!
Make some moss art!
The embroidered moss art below is all about texture. Can you make moss art that is bumpy, lumpy, smooth, and fuzzy all at once? Photos courtesy of Pinterest.
Touch some moss!
Notice how it feels, where it grows, what sounds you hear.
Word Search
Click and drag on the letters below to highlight the words you have found!
Explore Outside!
Come take a walk with us!
Come take a walk with us at the Tacoma Tree Foundation and search for moss and lichen!
Our next Nature Explorers walk is our annual Trick or Tree on November 1 at 10:30am. Check our calendar for location.
Bats flying at sunset
