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.

Mosses can grow in temperatures just above freezing, but maximize their photosynthesis at 50° F. Photosynthesis cannot occur in temperatures above 70° F, therefore mosses shut down their growth when the temperature is hot and water is unavailable.

In an African forest, it was found that 1/3 of all rain was absorbed into the moss mats. When the moss was removed, the environment experienced severe flooding.

In a Tennessee forest, mosses were harvested from a forest. The rivers became slimy with algae. This was the result of excess minerals, that were previously held within the moss mats, flowing into the rivers and causing a state of "eutrophication". Eutrophication means that there is an excess of minerals in the environment, causing severe algae bloom.

Mosses have co-evolved with deciduous trees in the Pacific Northwest:

Spring- with early spring rains, mosses leech minerals onto the tree's new-growth. These minerals are readily absorbed into the soft, young leaves, promoting healthy tree growth.

Summer-mosses shut down and go into a summer dormancy. High temperatures coupled with lack of water, create an unproductive growing environment.

Fall- fall rains cause mosses to leech nutrients, that have accumulated from dust particles, onto the trees branches and roots. The fall is also the time when the tree puts all its excess sugars into producing aerial and ground roots. Thus the tree collects the nutrients from the moss and stores them throughout the winter. These nutrients will be utilized in the Spring time.

Winter- when temperatures reach close to freezing, the mosses shut down and go into dormancy. Photosynthesis cannot occur effectively in cold temperatures and low light.

Why does moss grow mostly on deciduous trees?

-deciduous trees have a less acidic bark than coniferous trees

-the branches of deciduous trees are shaped to funnel water down their trunk, encouraging ideal moss habitat. Conifer trees branches are shaped to shed snow, discouraging moss growth.

Mosses cannot survive in polluted air. Like the lichens, they need a healthy atmosphere to survive.