Moss - Ask Extension
Over the last several years, I have noticed increasing green moss, sometimes an orange tint, growing in partly shaded areas. It appears to promote add...
Knowledgebase
Moss #871030
Asked June 01, 2024, 8:49 AM EDT
Over the last several years, I have noticed increasing green moss, sometimes an orange tint, growing in partly shaded areas. It appears to promote additional weeds that grow on top. I am attempting to add vinca in the area to reduce soil erosion. A major concern, is there any health hazard to the moss. Is there any benefit to allow it to over grow? Will in inhibit the growth of other plants. Thanks for your assistance. Susan Childs
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
Moss is actually a great plant to have and we'd recommend it hands down over Vinca. It is not dangerous in any way; most, if not all, are native, and it grows where grass can't. (Areas that are shaded, are moist, with soil compaction and poor fertility are the most common places.)
Here is our page on Moss:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/moss-landscape/
Vinca, on the other hand, is a non-native invasive plant that has escaped our gardens and has shown up in wild, natural areas in every county of Maryland as it displaces our native plants that have evolved over eons with our other native flora and fauna.
See this page from the Maryland Biodiversity Project website:
https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/view/1360
Here is our Groundcover page to help you decide on other options:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/groundcovers/
Christine
Here is our page on Moss:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/moss-landscape/
Vinca, on the other hand, is a non-native invasive plant that has escaped our gardens and has shown up in wild, natural areas in every county of Maryland as it displaces our native plants that have evolved over eons with our other native flora and fauna.
See this page from the Maryland Biodiversity Project website:
https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/view/1360
Here is our Groundcover page to help you decide on other options:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/groundcovers/
Christine
