Irish and Scotch Moss

Irish Moss is a low-growing, evergreen perennial groundcover in the carnation family with dense, moss-like foliage and wiry stems less than 10 cm tall. Native to Europe from Iceland south to Spain, it forms thick mats of slender stems that root at the nodes, producing tiny white flowers in summer. The leaves are subulate (awl-shaped) and typically 0.4-0.5 mm in diameter.

This plant thrives in moderately fertile, acid to neutral soil in full sun with midday shade and cool, moist conditions. It tolerates light foot traffic and roots easily via stem nodes, making it useful for filling gaps between pavers or in rock gardens. Most vegetative growth occurs in spring when weather is cool and moist; intense heat and drought stress the plant.