Skip to content
← Plant Database

Woodsy Thyme-moss

Plagiomnium cuspidatum

Also listed as Mnium cuspidatum, Orthomnion cuspidatum

Also known as Toothed Plagiomnium Moss

groundcoverβ›… part shadeπŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§ high water❄ Hardy: Zone 3a – Zone 8b

Climate Match for your location

See how well Woodsy Thyme-moss grows in your area.

Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.

A low-growing moss species with a soft, cushion-like appearance, commonly found in woodsy and shaded moist environments. It serves as an attractive groundcover for woodland gardens and naturalized areas.

Why grow it

Plagiomnium cuspidatum offers a dense, uniform cushion relative to coarser woodland mosses, making it useful where a neater groundcover appearance is preferred. It tolerates moderate foot traffic better than many delicate moss species and establishes readily in consistently moist, shaded sites with rich organic matter, suiting it well to woodland restoration and shaded garden edges where conventional groundcovers struggle.

Watch out for

This moss performs poorly in dry conditions or sites with inconsistent moisture, requiring either regular misting or naturally humid microclimates to persist. It is sensitive to soil compaction and heavy disturbance once established, so placement away from frequent traffic patterns supports better long-term performance.

Overview

Form
Mounding
Growth Rate
slow
Size
0.1–0.3β€² tall
Dormancy
evergreen
Family
Mniaceae
Erosion control

Native to the United States

Native Range

Northern Hemisphere temperate regions

Native to: New Jersey, New York

Seasonality

Season of Interest

SpringSummerFallWinter

Similar ground covers you might consider:

Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.

Companion Planting

Plants well with