blog
Turf Infestation
Readers Question
Looking for a ground-hugging evergreen carpet? Irish moss and Scotch moss are not mosses, need full sun, and are known for withering. Real moss asks for the opposite conditions and none of the fuss: no mowing, no feeding, no chemicals, and it stays green through winter in shade where grass fails.
See twelve real moss species by the square foot · moss instead of a grass lawn
Dear Moss And Stone Gardens,
Thank you for dispelling the myths. I have an infestation of sagina in my turf and have yet to discover a permanent solution to its removal. Do you have any suggestions?
Bonnie
—–
Hello Bonnie,
Sagina refers to a long list of plants, many of which can be invasive to our cultivated landscapes. Sagina subulata whose common name is Irish moss and Sagina subulata aurea (Scotch moss) are two plants that are very often thought to be a moss. With an appearance that resembles some acrocarpous species of moss and plant labels to back up their borrowed pedigree, many people simply assume they are real moss.
Both of these moss-mimickers need full sun to thrive, produce small flowers, and have roots which is unlike any true moss. If a species of Sagina is invading your moss, I advise removal by hand before they set seed, if Sagina is invading your turf grass you will probably need chemical control, as most turf problems tend to result in their use! Best of luck, Bonnie.
Moss And Stone Gardens
Moss — Dicranum scoparium
NOT moss — Scotch moss, Sagina subulata aurea
I am often asked about Irish Moss and Scotch Moss as though they were actually bryophytes and I thought I’d take this opportunity to set the record straight.
The desire to have a ground hugging, evergreen, carpeting plant is widespread throughout the horticulture world. There are not many to choose from and mosses are taking center stage these days. Their qualities are undeniably attractive and ecologically friendly, so it’s no wonder that cultivars such as Sagina subulata borrow the reference to moss in their name. However, Irish moss only resembles moss but does not share its distinctive qualities and versatility. In fact, Scotch and Irish Mosses are well known for their finicky performance and very often wind up withering away. So the next time you see that pretty fuzzy plant at the nursery with the mossy name, be forewarned of its non-relation to mosses and demanding nature.
Real moss wants the opposite conditions to Irish and Scotch moss. Twelve species, shade to full sun.
Pending review by Olivia Milner, practitioner-scientist with a background in sustainability and education.