Clark's Oregon Wildflower Blog: The Annual Moss Issue

Back by popular demand, it's the annual Moss issue! Don't worry, this post is not about Kate Moss, the U.K. fashion model who's been on more magazine covers than the leaders of the free world - it's about that short green stuff that grows all over western Oregon in the winter shade - a.k.a., Bryophyta.

Moss in the Headlines: Most folks don't get too excited about our moss, but one important role of moss came to light recently in our area. The Oregon DEQ and U.S. Forest service were checking local moss for presence of metals as part of a larger study. High levels of cadmium and arsenic were found in the moss and the air near a small glass factory in S.E. Portland. This has led to a much larger investigation and increased concern for residents in the affected area. Regulatory agencies are taking a second look at existing metal rules in light of these indicators. See link below for more information. Hats off to that moss!

Meanwhile, it looks like another banner year for moss here in the Pacific Northwest. Thanks to the lingering El Niño weather pattern, we've got more rain and warmer days than typical - the ideal growing conditions for the tiny green rain forest plants. These Bryophyta members thrive in our local forested parks, with a bit of sunlight and an abundance of dampness. I won't repeat the fascinating details of their role in the big nature picture; but you can visit our prior Moss Editions for more info (see links below).

For me, the moss season presents all the elements of a good photo challenge: rich color (mostly green of course), abstract patterns, and the beauty of nature all rolled into one. Not to mention that blooming wildflowers are scarce-to-none this month.

We had the driest summer and fall on record last year, but that did not seem to affect this year's moss growth. Each of the locations I visited to get these photos seemed awash in good, healthy moss. Here's a few more photos, but as before, use the link below for the complete collection!