Dawsonia superba
giant moss
Southeastern Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea
Overview
Dawsonia superba is a moss that forms tall, upright shoots growing in colonies, typically 4-16 inches (10-40 cm) high and reaching up to about 24 inches (60 cm) in sheltered sites. Each unbranched stem is clothed in narrow, stiff leaves 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) long that spread when moist and curl inward when dry. The leaves have a toothed margin and a broad midrib lined with photosynthetic plates. Internal strands of conducting cells carry water along the stem, unlike most mosses. The plant has no flowers, roots, or vascular tissue, anchoring instead by rhizoids at the stem base. Reproduction is by spores released from cylindrical capsules carried on stalks (setae) above the leaves; the capsules are covered by a hairy cap. Colonies spread slowly to form dense stands on moist, shaded soil. Growth depends on steady moisture and humidity, and the shoots dry and become dormant in drought. It does not persist in dry, exposed, or strongly sunlit positions.
Native Range
Native to southeastern Australia (including Tasmania), New Zealand, and New Guinea. Grows on moist, shaded soil and banks in cool temperate rainforest and wet forest, often along tracks and stream edges.Suggested Uses
Used in cool, shaded ferneries, terrariums, and moss gardens with steady moisture and humidity. Establishes on damp, shaded soil and banks in cool-climate landscape settings. Not suited to hot, dry, or sunny positions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'4"
Width/Spread4" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
As a moss, Dawsonia superba does not flower. Spore capsules mature mainly through the cooler, wetter months. Capsule production varies from year to year with rainfall and humidity.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Green to dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Dawsonia superba grows in shaded, humid positions on moist, acidic soil rich in organic matter. It absorbs water across its surface, so steady moisture and high humidity sustain growth where it is grown in cool ferneries or terrariums. The shoots dry and curl during drought, recovering when moisture returns. Fertiliser is not used. Strong direct sun and dry air damage the shoots and bleach the leaves. Standing water and heavy debris cause the lower stems to rot.Pruning
No pruning is required. Damaged or overgrown patches can be trimmed or lifted and replaced. Fallen leaves and debris are cleared from the colony, as a thick litter layer smothers the shoots.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons