Moss & Lichen

A photo essay

Moss is a small, green, non-vascular plant that thrives in damp, shady areas, forming dense mats or clumps, typically on soil, rocks, and trees. A lichen is a composite organism formed from a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacteria, appearing as plant-like growths on surfaces like rocks and trees. They are ecological indicators of clean air, often taking leafy, shrubby, or crusty forms. And they are captivating.

In the PNW, they are both abundant. I remember when I first moved to Portland and being amazed by the fact that moss grew on everything. Trees, walls, sidewalks - everything! This has arguably been the most difficult-to-compile photo essay yet, as I study and photograph moss and lichen literally every time I step outside. So sifting through, sorting, and picking my favorites was no easy chore. But here’s what I came up with….for now :-)