At the Boundary Between Earth and Sky

The sun has melted the snow over these mosses, bringing a festive green to the otherwise white blanket of the forest floor. Moss are slow-growing plants that live close to the ground. In this boundary layer between the earth and sky, the climate is just right for mosses. It is warmer and wetter and there is less wind to dry them out. Mosses stop photosynthesis when dry.

There are many species of moss to investigate in the woods. My kid's favorite is the cushion moss that grows in pillow-like clumps. It often covers large areas of ground. My favorite is a ostrich plume moss whose tiny leaves resemble ferns. These often grow on rocks.

Mosses send up spore capsules in warmer weather. These tend to differ by species and the shape may help with identification. When they are dry and brown, the spore capsules are ripe. Tap or brush them and you may release smoky clouds of spores.