Moss is well on the way to shaking off its reputation as a weed as its relevance to our ecosystem becomes more widely known. In a natural garden, moss is useful as a groundcover or decorates shady niches as a houseplant. You can find out here whether collecting moss is even allowed, where you can find and harvest it in the forest.

Is collecting moss allowed in the forest?

Ever since numerous types of moss have been protected, hobby gardeners have been unsure about this question. The fact is that taking moss in small quantities for private use is allowed. An exception applies to designated nature reserves. No plants may be collected here at all. Outside of these protected areas, the removal of all plants that fall under the "special protection of species" is prohibited, including peat moss species (Sphagnum ssp.), white moss (Leucobryum ssp.) and grove moss (Hylocomium ssp.), as these are threatened with extinction are threatened. However, since the moss species are often difficult to distinguish for the layperson, removal for private use should only be done very carefully - if at all - in order not to disturb the sensitive ecosystem.

Here you will find moss in the forest

In the forest you will not find it difficult to discover small and large moss populations. The conditions here are ideal, such as shady locations and moist and acidic forest soil. Moss can be found in these places:

  • Under and on trees
  • On the forest floor when in shade or partial shade
  • Common on rocks near bodies of water

Since mosses only grow a few centimeters high and do not produce flowers, a little attention is still required to discover the rootless spore plants.

Collect properly with respect for nature

Moss covers important functions in the ecosystem. The cushions absorb moisture and gradually release it to the forest floor so that it does not dry out. Countless small creatures find shelter and food here, such as spiders, earthworms, snails and isopods.

Therefore, first examine a moss cushion to see whether it is inhabited. Loosen the plants from the edge with your fingers and do not use sharp tools. Please do not remove more than half of a moss plant so that it can regenerate.

tips

Instead of removing moss pads and potentially damaging the ecosystem, you can instead harvest the mature spores, which float above the moss in small, brown capsules on stalks. Crushed on a smooth surface and transferred to a lean substrate or stony subsoil with a fine brush, a green carpet of moss unfolds in no time at all.

Category:

Vegetable garden