https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/205623204
I'm pretty sure what I found outside was a small patch of Rhytidiadelphus loreus (commonly known as Lanky Moss). If you have spent any time outdoors in South East Alaska (which I'm guessing you have if you're in this course) you will see this moss just about everywhere, from rotting logs, living trees, the forest floor, and even rocks (Christant, Ferdy . "Lanky Moss." ). Indigenous uses for these plants and mosses in general are similar to the more contemporary uses for it, as it is acidic and has great moisture absorption and mild antibacterial properties, so it was and still is used for wound dressings and applying over small irritations to prevent further injury or infection (Viereck, Eleanor G. "ALASKA’S WILDERNESS MEDICINES."). It also has constantly throughout history been used and an insulator in homes, cribs, diapers, and virtually anything that needs it. I have recently learned from David Lendrum of Landscape Alaska, that mosses are now being uses as a low maintanence option for lawns. This is due to the fact that they do not grow all that high, they quickly cover open landscape, have nice asthetics, and require virtually no maintanance. Overall this moss and mosses in general are ubiquitous with the forests in the South East and have innumerable amounts of practical applications.
Christant, Ferdy . "Lanky Moss." Jungle Dragon, 24 Nov. 2017, www.jungledragon.com/specie/5558/lanky_moss.html. Accessed 4 Apr. 2024.
Viereck, Eleanor G. "ALASKA’S WILDERNESS MEDICINES." UAF.Edu, 12 Aug. 1987, www.ankn.uaf.edu/curriculum/books/Viereck/vierecksphagnum.html. Accessed 4 Apr. 2024.
