Moss collecting

[Fi5ch]

Collecting moss on a rainy day.

 

[Eckhoffw]

Nice. I love collecting moss.
Bonus!
So do my kids!

 

[Colorado]

Nice, looks like good moss!

 

[Shibui]

I'm also a moss collector but that looks like quite long, coarse moss. Not sure it will look great on a bonsai?? I prefer to take really low growing types, usually more exposed sidewalks, asphalt, carparks and street gutters.

 

[penumbra]

Agree with above^^^^
I have a lot of this is my 8 wooded acres, but it is too coarse for me. Even half a world away, I like that sidewalk moss the best.

 

[rockm]

These kinds of moss (hypnum) are the worst moss to use for bonsai. Too coarse and won't take on bonsai soil. You have several types there. They are all common in the woods near me too. I tried them over the years. Not much, or any, success. Almost inevitably, the clump you collect will dry up and curl as the weather heats up. You've got too much soil underneath them as well, and could introduce pests to your bonsai soil. Moss has no roots, so you can scrape as much of the soil off as possible.

As said, what you're after are the short fibered mosses --in particular, Bryum agenteum and Bryum caespiticium, that grow in very sunny, moist and well-drained locations. Sidewalks and paved spaces can be good places to find them. Bryum agenteum, or Silver moss, is excellent for bonsai use.

Silver Moss Bryum Argenteum Silvergreen Moss - Etsy

Silvergreen bryum moss (Bryum argenteum) is a moss species found on all global continents, even Antarctica. Silvergreen bryum moss is also referred to as silvery thread moss. Although bryum moss really loves water, it is considered a desiccation tolerant species that can withstand total drying.

www.etsy.com

Sun Tolerant Moss Clumps - Bryum Caespiticium

Sun Moss Clumps Bryum caespiticium is commonly referred to as "sidewalk moss". This moss when wet or damp becomes a brilliant emerald green. Bryum can tolerate direct sunlight, and is a clump moss that will grow to two inches or less in height. Once established it can easily survive being...

mossacres.com

Amazon.com : SUN MOSS CLUMPS - BRYUM CAESPITICIUM - 5SQFT : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : SUN MOSS CLUMPS - BRYUM CAESPITICIUM - 5SQFT : Patio, Lawn & Garden

www.amazon.com

 

[Crawforde]

I’ve used some of the taller woodland mosses as companion plantings with small flowers, and on a slab to give texture and color, or with rock plantings….
they may not be practical in a bonsai pot on bonsai soil, but they can definitely have a place on the bench.