https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/205188423
While looking for uses for this moss I came across this publication from a lab based out of the University of Victoria; this moss is known to grow in moist coniferous forests from low to subalpine elevations, it grows on forest floors by covering other species to become dominant over decomposing logs and rocks (Fretwell). It is used most often for decoration in store window displays and hanging baskets (Fretwell). It was quite short but there was more to find within the Alaska state publications.
The lanky moss is part of a collection of organisms called bryophytes which are very simple green plants that produce no flowers, have no true root system or complex vasculature, do not make seeds, and have no woody tissue (“Mosses and Liverworts of the National Forests in Alaska”). There are an estimated eight or nine thousand true moss species worldwide and approximately 620 of them can be found in Alaska (“Mosses and Liverworts of the National Forests in Alaska”). Mosses have been used for filling the gaps between logs of log cabin homes, lining cooking pits for steaming food and steam wood bending, for padding and bedding, floral arrangements, garden decorations, removing the exterior slime from fish, and some curative teas in China (“Mosses and Liverworts of the National Forests in Alaska”). It is also the dominant ground cover in lowland and montane forests (“Mosses and Liverworts of the National Forests in Alaska”).
I have watched plenty of survivor television shows such as Alone and Survivor and I can say that I have seen them use moss many times to act as a ground cover for their initial bedding. Having that material offer a gap between the dirt and your body is good insulation to help keep you from freezing overnight. The modern air bed mattresses are much more comfortable for me though when camping. The most interesting thing I read about though is that they don’t produce seeds or flowers at all, it does make a bit of sense as I have never seen flowers on them in all my time in Alaska. That this one grows along the ground like peat moss makes me think that it too could hide holes that someone might accidentally step in and be gone without leaving behind any trace.
Works Cited
Fretwell, Kelly. “Lanky Moss • Rhytidiadelphus Loreus.” Edited by Brian Starzomski, Biodiversity of the Central Coast, The Starzomski Lab: Research and Teaching, 2013, www.centralcoastbiodiversity.org/lanky-moss-bull-rhytidiadelphus-loreus.html. Accessed 05 Apr. 2024.
“Mosses and Liverworts of the National Forests in Alaska.” United States Department of Agriculture, Tongass National Forest Botany and Ecology Program, Chugach National Forest, Forest Service Alaska Region, Sept. 2008, www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsbdev3_069239.pdf. Accessed 05 Apr. 2024.
Observations
Photos / Sounds
What
Lanky Moss (Rhytidiadelphus loreus)Observer
d_glackinDescription
On the trail by that man made lake where I saw the kingfisher.
Comments
Hi Daniel,
Lanky moss is one of my favorite organisms in Southeast Alaska to look at! Every time that I see it, I find myself looking at all of the intricate details that this species has. For instance, all of its feathery appendages are so detailed and dainty. If you zoom in on your photo, you can really see it. Growing up, while playing in the woods, my friends and I would often use this as ground cover in the forts that we built. I remember it getting stuck in our hair, clothing, and shoes, and my mom not being too happy about it.
Great post!
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth,
I never actually knew before this class, I always had just thought moss was moss and never took the time to investigate and see that there are so many kinds of moss. Of course, I probably knew at some point that it wasn’t all the same plant, I simply never took the time to figure it out. After looking at the Forest Service pamphlet from my original post, I find it interesting that they are so similar they are hard to tell apart without very close images. I am glad I took so many photos of it, or else I’m not sure I would have been able to correctly identify it.
The subject that Jack from our class picked is also a moss, but he found other sources to credit, and I think using it as a lawn is a very interesting idea that would work easily in our rainforest. I do wonder if lawns have too much sunlight exposure though, my front yard gets all sunlight all day and that would dry the moss out quick. There is a small corner of my fenced backyard that is inhabited by clover and nothing else seems to grow there, I wonder if getting some of this moss for that spot would help fill in the gaps around the clover.
That's really interesting! I didn't know that lanky moss was used so widely for decoration in store displays and hanging baskets. It's fascinating how these simple plants, bryophytes, play such a significant role in nature despite their lack of flowers or a true root system. The fact that Alaska is home to around 620 species of moss is impressive!
I've also noticed the use of moss in survival shows for insulation and bedding. It's incredible how nature provides these natural solutions. Although modern camping gear is more comfortable, there's something special about using what the earth offers. The fact that mosses don't produce seeds or flowers is intriguing. It's a reminder of the diverse ways life adapts and thrives. The idea that this moss can cover the ground and potentially hide holes is a bit daunting, though. It's a testament to the power of nature and how it can shape our environment in unexpected ways.
Yes, great job taking several photos, Daniel! Mosses -- like liverworts and lichens and so much more! -- can be challenging to identify to species without detailed photos of different parts of the organism, so nice work getting particularly a close-up.
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