Does anyone recognise this?

[coppiceer]

Hello all,

 

I have what appears to be some kind of moss growing around the base of my Ash Trees (Fraxinus excelsior).

 

Has anyone seen this before? Could anyone put a name to it?

 

It is quite easy to rub off. Will it suppress the growth of dormant buds after the tree has been felled?

 

Thankyou.

[skyhuck]

Very common, does no harm.

 

Is it sphagnum moss????

[John Russell]

Very common, does no harm.

 

Is it sphagnum moss????

 

Agreed very common. Yes, I think it's sphagnum (but I'll stand being corrected).

 

Here in the SW a high percentage of my trees have this -- particularly where the ground is boggy, the trees are growing close together and there's not much light getting to the ground. Never observed it doing any harm. Tends to be more of it on the north side of the tree.

 

Best wishes,

 

John Russell

[coppiceer]

Hello both,

 

Thanks for the help.

 

I seem to have inadvertently created ideal growing conditions for this moss.

 

I am growing Ash in intimate mixture with Hazel at close spacing. It is where the Hazel has created deep shade and sheltered conditions that the moss is growing.

 

It has to go though: my wife wants it for her hanging baskets.

 

Thanks again.