Yellow Scotch moss is a low-growing soft herbaceous evergreen perennial groundcover in the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae) with moss-like foliage but is not a moss. This plant does best in full sun in cooler climates and partial shade in the southeast in average, moist, well-drained soils. Easy propagation is by dividing clumps in early spring or fall. Self-seeding can occur, however, unwanted growth is easily removed. It is tolerant of some foot traffic. Yellow scotch moss has rounded green buds that open to form the 5-petaled solitary star-shaped flowers in spring. It will form a mat of chartruse yellow leaves up to 12 inches wide. Use yellow scotch moss as a ground cover, in a rock garden, over a rock wall, as edging or in a container. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Generally disease and pest free, but can be susceptible to aphids. More information on Sagina subulata .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheLiriope muscari 'Silvery Sunproof'Waldsteinia ternatax Heucherella
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Ground Cover; Herbaceous Perennial
Life cycle
Perennial
USDA zones
4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Light
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
Less than 12 inches
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
5 - Groundcover
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Spreading
Texture
Fine
Leaf color
Gold/Yellow; Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Linear; Subulate
Leaf feel
Soft
Leaf size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Chartreuse green leaves are1/2 to 1 inch in length, which can form dense mats. Pairs of leaves occur at intervals along the stems. Each pair merges together and wraps around the stem, which is slightly swollen where each pair of leaves occurs.
Flower color
White
Flower shape
Star
Flower detail
Tiny, white translucent flowers have 5 petals in spring.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit detail
An oblong capsule with tiny, smooth triangular seeds. They may self-sow.
Stem color
Gold/Yellow; Green
Stem detail
Thin, creeping stems.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Western and Central Europe
Play value
Defines Paths; Easy to Grow; Textural
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Capsule
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Patio; Slope/Bank; Walkways
Landscape theme
Asian Garden; Cottage Garden; Fairy Garden; Rock Garden