- Plant Name: Moss (Bryophyta)
- Plant Type: Small, Flowerless, Non-Vascular
- Plant Height: Between 0.1 and 20 inches (varies by species)
- Total Species: 12,000+
- Taxonomy Clade: Embryophytes
- Taxonomy Classes: 8
- First Appeared: 470 million years ago
16 Moss Facts for Kids
- Moss is a term used to describe herbaceous non-vascular plants in the Bryophyta taxonomy division.
- Moss prefers to grow in cool, damp conditions that aren’t in direct sunlight. However, there are many species of moss that are drought tolerant and can thrive in a hot, dry environment.
- Moss likes to grow on rocks, soil (various types), trees (both alive and downed) and along streams.
- Most species of moss are green, but some species can come in different colors, like blue or yellow.
- Moss use their tiny leaves to obtain water and nutrients.
- Just like all other plants, moss uses the photosynthesis process to create energy.
- Moss don’t have roots like vascular plants, instead they use threadlike rhizoids to anchor themselves.
- Moss reproduces using spores and do not produce any flowers, pollen, fruits or seeds.
- There are around 12,000 species of plants that are considered moss.
- Species of moss are found all over the world, including Antarctica.
- Most species of moss are small, but some species can reach a large size.
- The average height of all species of moss are between 0.1 and 3.0 inches.
- The tallest (self-supported) moss in the world is Dawsonia superba. The average height of Dawsonia superba is about 24 inches. There are reports of Dawsonia superba being able to reach a height of over three feet.
- The first land plants to appear on our planet were very similar to moss.
- The antiseptic properties of moss were exploited during World War 1. Medics would use moss to treat and in some cases bandage wounds.
- Moss is a popular in aquascaping, it can help regulate water in an aquarium and requires little support.
Pictures of Moss
A close-up picture of moss.
A picture of moss in a forest.
A picture of moss on a tree.
A picture of moss on a roof.
A picture of moss on a rock.
A picture of moss on a log.
Find More Facts About Moss
- About Moss – An excellent article that talks about moss and what it is.
- Types of Moss – Find out about the different types of moss on the Southern Illinois University website.
- Life Cycle of Moss – Discover the steps in the life cycle of moss on the Study.com website.
- Moss – Britannica – Learn more about moss on the Britannica website.