Mosses

Mosses and liverworts are small plants which are often overlooked. They are soft plants that are typically 1-10 cm tall, occasionally more. They grow close together in clumps, mats or cushions in damp or shady locations.

They do not have flowers or seeds, and their simple leaves cover the thin stems. At certain times mosses and liverworts produces spore capsules which may appear as beak-like structures borne on thin stalks.

Some species of liverworts can be a nuisance to gardeners growing well on soil in shady green-houses.

Moss is considered a weed in grass lawns in Britain, but is deliberately encouraged to grow in traditional Japanese gardens!