Delicate fern moss is a true moss that is commonly found in shady areas of gardens and woodlands. It is native to a wide area of eastern North America, including North Carolina. It is a member of the fern moss family (Thuidiaceae). The species epithet means "little delicate one." This moss grows spontaneously on the surface of moist, shady soil. It can be found growing among turf grass, if the soil is moist. Like many mosses, it can grow rampantly where conditions are suitable but grows poorly or not at all where conditions are suboptimal. Shoots of this moss are branched in a way that resembles a pinnately compound fern frond. The bright green color and delicate leafy shoots are two of this moss's stand-out attributes. They cover the ground, sometimes densely. Delicate fern moss is perfect for a fairy garden, native garden, woodland or riparian garden. It may make itself at home in other gardens. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems : None.
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.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt)
Soil drainage
Moist
Available space
Less than 12 inches
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 1 in. - 0 ft. 5 in. | Width: 0 ft. 3 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
5 - Groundcover (<1 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Creeping; Spreading
Texture
Fine
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Ovate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
The tiny leaves that clothe the stems are difficult to see without a microscope. They are ovate to triangular, about 1 mm long, and overlap one another along the stem.
Flower detail
There are no flowers. This plant reproduces by spores.
Fruit detail
There are no fruits. This plant reproduces by spores. The spore capsules are slightly curved, cylindrical, and borne on rust-colored stalks about 1 inch tall.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Wildlife value
The moss is gathered by birds and small mammals to line nests.
Attracts
Small Mammals; Songbirds
Play value
Textural
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Lawn; Meadow; Naturalized Area; Slope/Bank; Small Space; Woodland