Moss

Moss covered Oak Trunk, originally uploaded by addvt2nh.

Feather Moss up close, originally uploaded by addvt2nh.

Mosses have no roots, but instead have a rhizome. They do not need a substrate to grow, but absorb water and nutrients from the atmosphere. The rhizome tends to be fuzzy, this helps the moss absorb water and nutrients.

Moss relies on living in dense, compact mats to obtain enough water and nutrients. Within the moss mat, particles from the environment mix with water and create soil.

Moss is adapted to drought conditions. During the summer, its metabolism can slow down to almost zero.

Moss does not only grow on the North side of a tree. Moss will grow wherever there is an adequate amount of moisture and sunlight.

This information found at http://canopy.evergreen.edu/