- moss as a plant
- In which direction does moss grow on trees?
- Where does moss grow on trees?
- frequently asked Questions
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More and more people are going for walks in the woods these days. But what do you do if you get lost and no tools are available? The theory that moss helps with orientation is widespread. But in which direction does moss grow on trees?
In a nutshell
- Moss growth depends on various factors
- not suitable for orientation
- Moss grows on trees in different directions
- Moss as an indication of the weather side
moss as a plant
Moss was the first plant on land. Due to its simple structure, moss is still widespread today. Despite its affinity for water, it can be found in the most hostile of environments. Moss can also be found in the forest. There it grows:
- on trees
- on shady paths and surfaces
- on stones
Moss helps maintain the forest ecosystem by storing water in its cushions and gradually releasing it to the forest floor. In addition, moss is the habitat of many microorganisms such as snails or earthworms.
Moss is an important part of the forest ecosystem.
In which direction does moss grow on trees?
Moss should also have another function. The moss-covered side of a tree is said to show the cardinal direction. There are primarily two theories about the growth of moss on trees:
- Moss grows on the north side of a tree
- Moss grows on the west side of a tree
Moss on the north side of trees
The justification for the theory sounds plausible at first. Because the sun is never in the north, the north side of the trees are always in shade. Therefore, the site offers ideal environmental conditions for moss, which prefers cool and damp places. However, the theory neglects the fact that growth depends on several factors, namely:
- position of the sun
- (Air) humidity
- prevailing wind direction
- wind deflection
- tree texture
- additional moisture from streams or lakes
Since moss growth is not only dependent on solar radiation, moss also grows on other sides.
Moss doesn't only grow on the north side of trees.
moss in the west
The rationale here is that the moss grows on the weather side. This is in our latitude in the west. In fact, westerly winds are dominant here, which also bring a lot of humidity with them. However, it only comes from the west if it is not deduced beforehand. But that is the case in a forest due to other trees and shrubs. The wind can therefore come from any direction. For the theory to apply, all of the following criteria must be met
- straight tree
- detached
- flat surface
- strong, humid west wind
The weather side can be seen particularly well on some trees.
notice: If the tree is not straight or has a notch, moss will settle in places even if they are not on the weather side.
Where does moss grow on trees?
As already explained, the growth of moss depends on various factors. Therefore, no general statement can be made about the direction in which moss grows. It generally grows on each side of the tree, but is most likely to grow on the weather side. This in turn can be in any direction. Therefore, for example, in narrow valleys there are moss-covered trees all around and elsewhere there is no moss on trees at all.
notice: Do not rely on half-truths when navigating in open terrain. In the worst case, these can lead to you getting even more lost and then no longer having the strength to find the right path.
frequently asked Questions
What is a weather page?The weather side is the side of trees, buildings, or outdoor objects that is primarily exposed to precipitation and wind. Weathering phenomena are particularly strong there.
How can moss grow in inhospitable areas?Due to its comparatively simple construction plan, moss can reduce its metabolism extremely far. In this way, moss can survive without water for a long period of time, even if other plants had already died by then. When it rains again, moss simply blooms again.
What other factors can I then use to orientate myself in open terrain?A compass is best for orientation. Alternatively, you can also orientate yourself by the position of the sun or the stars. Variable location factors and half-truths are not suitable for orientation.