Pseudanomodon attenuatus
tree-skirt moss
Container Friendly
Native to North America
SunFull Shade
WaterHigh
Overview
Pseudanomodon attenuatus is a pleurocarpous moss that forms loose, spreading mats on the bases of trees, shaded rock, and soil. Long, trailing primary stems creep over the surface and send up many short, branching secondary shoots that taper to slender, whip-like tips, giving the moss its skirt-like drape around tree trunks. The small leaves are tongue-shaped with a single midrib and spread when moist but curl and twist against the stem when dry, turning the mat from bright green to a dull grey-green. Like all mosses it has no roots, drawing water over its whole surface and anchoring by thread-like rhizoids. It reproduces by spores carried in capsules on short stalks, though capsules are uncommon, and spreads mainly by stem fragments and branching. Native across the Northern Hemisphere, it is common on the lower trunks and exposed roots of hardwood trees, on limestone and shaded boulders, and on humus in moist woods. It tolerates seasonal drying, reviving and greening again after rain, and withstands deep shade. It needs humidity and shelter and browns in full sun or drying wind. Mats expand slowly over years to clothe bark and stone. It is grown in shaded moss gardens and on stone for a soft green cover.
Native Range
Native across the temperate Northern Hemisphere, including eastern North America, Europe, and Asia. It grows on the lower trunks and roots of hardwood trees, on shaded limestone and boulders, and on humus-rich soil in moist woods.Suggested Uses
Used in shaded moss gardens, on stone walls, boulders, and tree bases, and in woodland and Japanese-style plantings. Suited to deep-shade, humid spots where it forms a soft green covering over bark and rock.How to Identify
Appearance
Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Mosses reproduce by spores rather than flowers. Spore capsules, when produced, ripen on short stalks in late autumn and winter, but this moss rarely forms them. It spreads mostly by branching and broken stem fragments.
Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in deep to part shade with steady humidity on tree bases, shaded stone, or humus-rich soil. The moss survives on rainfall and surface moisture and needs no soil or feeding. It tolerates seasonal drying, going dormant and reviving after rain, but browns in full sun and drying wind. Fragments pressed onto bark, stone, or firm moist ground start new mats and are kept damp until established. It grows slowly and spreads on its own once settled. Shaded, sheltered north-facing sites suit it.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Mats can be lifted and divided, and stem fragments spread onto new surfaces to extend the cover. Clearing fallen leaves keeps the mat exposed.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing