Outdoor Elements
Greens in a Gray Woods
Clip | 3m 16sVideo has Closed Captions
Does moss on a tree really help you find north? Join Evie as she showcases bright green mo
Does moss on a tree really help you find north? Join Evie as she showcases bright green moss and lichen in a gray woods and find out the differences and why one side of the tree has more than the other.
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Outdoor Elements is a local public television program presented by PBS Michiana
Outdoor Elements
Greens in a Gray Woods
Clip | 3m 16sVideo has Closed Captions
Does moss on a tree really help you find north? Join Evie as she showcases bright green moss and lichen in a gray woods and find out the differences and why one side of the tree has more than the other.
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipIt's kind of a gray, gloomy winter day with no snow.
But I'm out for a hike and wow, I found this bright green stuff growing on the side of this tree Actually on a few trees right around the trail.
So I thought I would take a closer look.
Let's go see.
As it turns out, there are actually two different things growing on the root base of this large tree.
You can actually see the different colors.
One is a moss and one is a lichen.
What's the difference?
Well, mosses actually don't have roots, but they are considered a plant and they do conduct their own photosynthesis.
They reproduce by spores, they have little spore capsules.
Lichens, on the other hand, are a combination of two or three different organisms.
A fungus and algae or a cyanobacteria.
Fungus actually is not photosynthetic.
They can't produce their own food.
But in combination of those three organisms, either the bacteria, the cyanobacteria or the algae within the organism is able to absorb sunlight and produce food energy for the lichen in damp conditions.
Just like today, this particular lichen turns bright, bright green, and it is flexible and soft.
But in dry conditions, lichens often shrivel and may even change color to a more gray tone.
But lichens, different species come in lots of different colors.
Taking a look at this moss, we often hear that moss grows on the north side of the tree.
But I walked all the way around and sure enough, there's moss on the backside of this tree.
It does just so happen that this is the north side of the tree and there is way more moss on this side than on the other.
So why is that?
Well, moss thrives in damp conditions.
North sides of the tree are typically shady, and the moss will be less likely to dry out in this area and have better growing conditions for it.
It's kind of a nice thing to look for on a gray winter day.
Hey, we have new episodes of outdoor elements every week on the Facebook page and also the Outdoor Elements website, so be sure to check those out.
And remember, you can find your own outdoor elements when you visit area parks and natural areas.
We'll see you soon.
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Outdoor Elements is a local public television program presented by PBS Michiana