When: Year-round
Where: All of Sweden.
What: Moss species of Sweden.
Moss is often overlooked, but in Sweden, it’s everywhere, adding a unique charm to our natural scenery. These tiny plants create lush green carpets across the forest floor, drape over rocks, and even hang from tree branches. Let's dive into the fascinating world of moss and uncover what makes it so special.
Swedish landscape has an abundance of moss. It drapes over rocks, carpets the forest floor with its soft, velvety texture, and even clings to tree branches, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. The sight of moss-covered stones, which give the landscape a Märklin model train set feel, is simply enchanting. Whether it's the soft, velvety green or the crisp, grey-blue hues, moss adds a distinct, magical touch to the scenery.
DIVERSE MOSSES
Sweden’s moss diversity is remarkable, each contributing differently to the ecosystem:
Reindeer Lichen (Cladonia rangiferina): This pale, branching lichen is more than just a beautiful ground cover; it’s a vital food source for reindeer, especially in the northern regions. Its unique texture and color add a distinct contrast to the surrounding greenery.
Sheet Moss (Hypnum cupressiforme): A common sight in Swedish forests, sheet moss forms dense, soft mats that can cover large areas of the forest floor. Its rich green color and cushiony texture make it a favorite among both small forest creatures and photographers.
Haircap Moss (Polytrichum spp.): This moss is known for its upright, hair-like stems that can grow quite tall compared to other mosses. Often found in clumps, haircap moss is a striking feature on the forest floor, especially in moist, shaded areas.
Beard Moss (Usnea spp.): Often seen hanging from tree branches, beard moss is an indicator of clean, oxygen-rich air. Its delicate, draping form adds a touch of wild beauty to the forest and is a clear sign of the pristine environment in which it thrives.
Coral Moss (Cladonia stellaris): This lichen is also commonly called 'reindeer moss' and is highly valued by reindeer herders. Its coral-like structure and bright, light green color make it stand out on the forest floor, particularly in the north.
Crustose Lichen (Ochrolechia spp.): A type of lichen that forms a crust-like layer over rocks and tree bark. These lichens come in a range of colors, from grey to vibrant orange, and add a splash of color to the forest landscape.
THE DUAL NATURE OF BLUE-GREY MOSS
Another notable moss found in Sweden is the blue-grey lichen (Hypogymnia physodes), which often grows on trees. This lichen can sometimes completely cover the bark, giving the trees a striking, almost frosty appearance. While its blue-grey tones add an interesting visual element to the forest, the lichen can be a double-edged sword. In some cases, when the lichen becomes too dense, it can suffocate the tree by blocking light and air from reaching the bark. This can eventually lead to the tree's decline and even death, particularly if the tree is already weakened by other factors. So even something as seemingly harmless as moss can have significant effects.
PROTECTED AND SPECIAL MOSSES
Sweden takes great care in protecting its diverse moss species, especially those that are rare or play a crucial ecological role:
Bryum caespiticium and Orthotrichum gymnostomum are two examples of mosses that are legally protected due to their rarity and importance in the ecosystem. These species are safeguarded to ensure their continued presence in the Swedish landscape.
In addition to these, the glow-in-the-dark moss found in the Nature Reserve Näs is a truly magical species. This bioluminescent moss emits a soft glow in the dark.
THE ECOLOGICAL ROLE OF MOSS
Mosses do far more than add beauty to the landscape. They help retain moisture in the soil, provide essential habitats for small organisms, and serve as indicators of air quality. For example, the presence of beard moss is often a sign of clean, unpolluted air. Mosses also play a critical role in maintaining the balance of forest ecosystems, contributing to overall environmental health.
Moss may be small, but its influence on the Swedish landscape is immense. It enriches the natural beauty of our forests, supports a variety of wildlife, and offers us insight into the health of our environment. As you explore the outdoors, take a moment to appreciate these green wonders that add so much to the magic of Sweden’s natural world.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Protected nature in Sweden:
naturvardsverket.se/en/topics/species-protection/ Information about moss from SLU: artdatabanken.se/arter-och-natur/organismgrupper/mossor/
Kommentare