25 Different Types of Moss

If you think all moss looks the same, think again. Some grow in lush mats, others in tiny cushions, and each has its own personality. Keep reading to uncover 25 types of mosses you might want to try.

Types Of Mosses

There’s a whole spectrum of mosses out there, each with its own quirks and preferences. Some seem to love clinging to rocks or old wood, while others settle into soil or soggy spots. You’ll spot everything from coarse, upright tufts to soft, trailing mats, in shades from silver-green to nearly black.

Sheet Moss (Hypnum cupressiforme)

If you’ve seen a lush, flat carpet of green in the woods or on a garden stone, that’s probably Sheet Moss. It spreads out in soft mats, hugging the surface and creating a velvety look that’s hard to beat for ground cover. Gardeners and terrarium fans love it for that reason.

Partial shade is fine, but it really thrives in deep shade and humidity. The tiny, scale-like leaves are packed close on fine stems, giving it that even texture. You’ll usually find it in moist, sheltered woodland spots.

It’s a favorite for shaded gardens since it shrugs off weeds and keeps things looking neat, even if conditions aren’t perfect.

Cushion Moss (Leucobryum glaucum)

Picture little green pillows dotting the forest floor—Cushion Moss grows in dense, rounded clumps, often with a silvery or blue-green tint. You’ll spot these under pines or oaks, especially where the soil’s on the acidic side.

It likes the ground moist but not soggy, and partial shade suits it best. Growth is slow, but those soft, showy mounds really pop in a shady garden.

People pick Cushion Moss for its texture and how it holds onto moisture. It’s a nice bonus for nearby plants, too.

Feather Moss (Pleurozium schreberi)

Feather Moss sprawls across the ground in loose, feathery mats—it’s easy to see where it gets its name. The bright green fronds look almost delicate, but this moss is surprisingly tough, especially in northern forests.

Dry spells don’t bother it much; as soon as the rain returns, it bounces back. It often mingles with lichens and other mosses, holding soil in place and softening the look of woodland trails.

It’s a go-to for natural ground cover, especially where erosion is a concern. Soft underfoot, too, if you’re walking off the path.

Spoon-Leaved Moss (Bryum caespiticium)

This one’s easy to spot thanks to its spoon-shaped leaves, packed tightly on short stems. It forms dense little tufts or cushions, usually in greenish-brown patches on soil or even between cracks in pavement.

Urban life doesn’t faze it; you’ll find it on roadside verges, old bricks, or anywhere the ground is compacted and a bit rough around the edges.

It’s a survivor in both dry and damp spots, so if you’ve got a tricky patch where nothing else will grow, give it a shot. Not really a big ground cover, but it holds its own in tough places.

Pincushion Moss (Dicranoweisia cirrata)

Pincushion Moss lives up to its name—those neat, rounded hummocks look like tiny green pin cushions, with pointed leaves radiating out from the center.

It likes acidic or sandy soils and often pops up on rotting wood, tree stumps, or even old roofing tiles. Sometimes you’ll catch it on exposed banks, too.

Short dry spells don’t seem to bother it, but it really prefers steady humidity. The tidy form is perfect for accenting a garden or adding a quirky touch to a mini landscape.

Rock Cap Moss (Dicranum scoparium)

If you’ve seen a patch of moss that looks like a miniature forest, with upright tufts and narrow, spear-shaped leaves, that’s probably Rock Cap Moss. The stems curve and taper, giving it a coarse, wild look.

It’s right at home on rocks, logs, and tree bases, especially where shade and moisture are reliable. Clinging to sloped or vertical surfaces is kind of its thing.

People use it in terrariums or to give boulders that classic mossy vibe in the garden.

Fern Moss (Thuidium delicatulum)

Fern Moss really does look like tiny ferns, with delicate, feathered branches that split in regular, lacy patterns. Stems are yellow-green and lie flat, creating a soft, intricate ground cover.

Damp ground, logs, or tree bases in moist woodlands are its favorite spots. It’s surprisingly resilient—you can even step on it lightly and it’ll bounce back.

It’s a popular pick for mimicking a woodland floor or for that lush, under-tree look. Just don’t let it dry out too much.

Tree Moss (Climacium dendroides)

Tree Moss is a bit of a show-off—upright stems with tiny leafy branches that look uncannily like miniature trees. It forms dense stands on damp soils, often near streams in the woods.

Touch it and you’ll notice the spongy texture. The “tree-like” growth really stands out and adds some vertical interest to shady gardens.

It’s a fun choice for naturalistic plantings or educational displays, but it does want steady moisture and rich, peaty soil to look its best.

Heath Star Moss (Campylopus introflexus)

Heath Star Moss grows in wiry, dense tufts that start green and fade to gray-green or even blackish as they age. The sharp, pointed leaves splay out in a star pattern—hard to miss once you know what to look for.

It’s quick to colonize open ground, whether that’s a heath, an old rooftop, or the edge of a trail. Urban environments don’t bother it much.

Once established, it tolerates sun and drought, so it’s handy for stabilizing soil in places where other plants just give up.

Silky Forklet Moss (Fissidens adianthoides)

There’s something elegant about Silky Forklet Moss, with its flattened, silvery-green fronds that lie like little fans across the ground. The leaves are neatly overlapped in two rows, almost combed into place.

It’s picky about water quality, thriving only with clean, fresh streams or saturated soils. Pollution? Not its thing at all.

If you’re lucky enough to have a spot with pristine water, this moss adds a gentle touch to ponds or shaded creek banks.

Juniper Moss (Polytrichum juniperinum)

Juniper Moss stands stiff and upright, looking a bit spiky and always a deep, rich green. The leaves have tiny teeth, making the clumps look rugged and a little wild.

It’s tough—sandy or acidic soils, disturbed ground, even sunny banks are fair game. Drought doesn’t faze it, and it’s easy to spot in open areas.

Landscapers like it for erosion control or adding green to tough spots. The contrast with softer mosses is pretty striking, too.

Haircap Moss (Polytrichum commune)

Haircap Moss is the giant of the bunch, with tall, wiry stems and dark green, pointed leaves. Shoots can reach up to 15 centimeters, which is pretty impressive for a moss.

It likes its soil damp—think bogs, forest clearings, or along streams. The hairy “caps” on young spore capsules are a dead giveaway.

It’s a classic for gardens that need a bit of height and texture. Plus, it helps keep things moist and offers shelter for tiny critters.

Broom Fork Moss (Dicranum montanum)

Broom Fork Moss grows in bushy, bright green tufts, with coarse leaves that curve strongly to one side. You’ll find it rising in patches on the forest floor or scattered across rocks.

Cool, moist woods or boulders with acidic soil are its favorite hangouts. It really pops in deep shade, especially where the ground stays undisturbed.

If you’re after a wild, untamed look in your garden, this one’s a winner. Over time, it can even help improve the soil.

Delicate Fern Moss (Thuidium recognitum)

This moss is all about fine, filigree branching—like tiny ferns laid flat against the ground. Fronds are pale green and spread across soil, logs, or stones in a soft, almost fluffy mat.

It’s happiest in moist, nutrient-rich places. Large mats often show up in shaded woods or by streams.

When moisture is steady, it spreads fast and covers bare spots in no time. The softness underfoot is kind of surprising.

Plume Moss (Ptilium crista-castrensis)

 

Plume Moss creates thick, feather-shaped branches that sprawl across forest floors. Stems stand upright, and the bright green “plumes” make for a dense, almost luxurious layer.

Boreal forests, especially in cool, damp northern climates, are where it shines. Under conifers, you’ll see broad carpets of it.

It’s often picked for its weed-suppressing abilities and the lush, even look it brings to shaded, damp soils.

Swan’s Neck Moss (Campylopus flexuosus)

There’s a certain grace to Swan’s Neck Moss, with its arching, curved stems that really do look like a swan’s neck. Leaves are lance-shaped, often twisted or wavy, giving it a flowing, almost windswept look.

Open, acidic sites and moorlands are its usual haunts. It forms soft clumps or loose mats where the soil’s poor or disturbed.

Its unique shape makes it a favorite for wild gardens and restoration projects. It can take a beating and bounce back fast.

Sphagnum Moss (Sphagnum spp.)

Sphagnum Moss is the king of bogs and wetlands, forming thick, spongy layers in shades of green, red, or gold. It’s amazing how much water it can hold—several times its own weight.

By creating and maintaining acidic, waterlogged conditions, it shapes entire ecosystems. Those living mats and decaying layers (peat) are crucial for wetland health.

Gardeners use it to keep soil moist or line baskets. It’s also a lifeline for all sorts of unique wetland species.

Mnium Moss (Mnium hornum)

Mnium Moss sports deep green, glossy leaves with fine teeth along the edges. Stems grow upright, forming loose tufts or carpets over shaded soil.

It tends to show up in moist woods, along streams, or tucked into shady garden corners. Slightly acidic, well-drained soils are its happy place.

The clean, lush look is a hit for terrariums or shaded borders. Those soft tufts are surprisingly tough and hold water well.

Creeping Feather Moss (Amblystegium serpens)

Creeping Feather Moss hugs the ground in low, trailing mats—slender stems and tiny leaves give it a soft, tangled vibe. You’ll see it weaving over soil, rocks, or tree roots.

This one’s not fussy, adapting to lawns, stream banks, stone walls—you name it. It’s quick to colonize disturbed spots.

Its spreading habit makes it handy for erosion control, and it blends in nicely with other shade-loving plants.

Caterpillar Moss (Homalia trichomanoides)

Caterpillar Moss is pretty distinctive, with broad leaves that curl around the stem, making it look a bit like a green worm or caterpillar. The color ranges from bright to yellow-green, forming loose mats on rocks or logs.

Moist, shaded woods near running water are where it thrives. Occasional flooding doesn’t bother it, and it stays green year-round.

It’s a fun one for adding character to streamsides or shaded rock gardens, mostly thanks to that unusual leaf shape.

Creeping Cushion Moss (Grimmia pulvinata)

Creeping Cushion Moss forms small, rounded tufts on exposed rocks or rooftops. The silvery green leaves curl tightly when dry, giving it a crisp, textured look that stands out.

Dryness and full sun? Not a problem. It’s a common sight in cities and on rocky hillsides.

If you need to green up tough, dry spots or hard surfaces, this moss is up for the challenge. It’s tough as nails and perfect for harsh or drought-prone locations.

Slender Silk Moss (Plagiothecium laetum)

With its glossy, silk-like mats and those shiny, light green leaves, this moss brings a subtle elegance wherever it settles. The stems tend to press themselves flat against whatever’s beneath—logs, stones, or just damp soil—and before you know it, they’ve spread into gentle patches.

Honestly, it’s happiest when there’s steady moisture and a bit of shade. You’ll stumble across it in woodlands, tucked into gardens, or right by a stream if you’re lucky.

The fine texture and that little shimmer make it a favorite for folks wanting to soften up borders or fill in shady spots. Landscapers appreciate how it just fits in, almost effortlessly.

Red-Stemmed Feather Moss (Pleurozium schreberi)

What catches the eye here? Those reddish stems, for sure, and the bright green, feather-like leaves. It forms these soft mats that just hug the ground, and honestly, they can cover a surprising amount of space.

You’ll find it all over northern forests, especially under pines or spruces—seems to love acidic, nutrient-poor soils, and doesn’t complain much if things get a little dry now and then.

Gardeners seem to really like the color contrast, plus it’s handy for keeping erosion in check. There’s something inviting about how it settles under trees, almost like it’s rolling out a green carpet.

Water Screw Moss (Syntrichia ruralis)

This one’s got a quirky personality—grows in tight rosettes or these little spirals on dry, open ground. The leaves twist up when things get dry, then uncurl if it rains, so you get a bit of drama depending on the weather.

You’ll spot it on dunes, in lawns, or wherever there’s bare soil. It’s tough, handling drought and even a bit of trampling, which probably explains why it pops up in cities as well as wilder places.

People appreciate how it shrugs off sun and dryness. And honestly, the twisting leaves give it a kind of unpredictable charm—never quite looks the same twice.

Wavy Star Moss (Atrichum undulatum)

There’s something eye-catching about those star-shaped rosettes and the gentle wave along each green leaf. You’ll often spot it clinging in loose tufts on the soil in woods or along banks, almost like it’s quietly staking out its spot.

Moisture comes and goes where it grows, and the shade isn’t too heavy—just enough for it to thrive. The leaves tend to arch upward, kind of reaching for the light, which gives the whole patch a lively, textured look.

Honestly, it’s a lovely choice if you’re after a bit of ground cover in a woodland garden. And if someone accidentally steps on it, don’t worry—it tends to bounce back pretty quickly.