This dense, medium to dark green moss is typically found growing on rocks and boulders in the wild, along with growing down the edges of steep, slopes of wet rock (which is where I found this one). It often covers large areas of exposed soil in shady areas where grass won't grow. An Interesting way to grow moss is to make a “smoothie.” By taking a clump of moss and mixing it with sugar, and either buttermilk and beer, or baker’s yeast and yogurt in a blender, you can pour the “moss smoothie” over rocks, bricks, or anywhere else you wish to have a patch of moss.
Shortleaf Pine Tree (Pinus echinata Pinaceae)
These adaptable trees grow as far west as the appalacians, and as far north as upper North Carolina, avoiding soils with high calcium levels. One interesting thing is Shortleaf pine seedlings may be established by direct seeding, unlike many other pine trees that must have a long latency period. Shortleaf pine seedlings grow into a J-shaped crook near the ground at 2 to 3 months of age. But shortly turns upwards to house Axillary and other buds in order to initiate growth if the upper stem is killed by fire or is severed. According to the growth patterns of these Trees, the 1 and ½ foot tall tree I found could be anywhere from 2 to 3 years old. At about 4 years old, it should hit a rapid growth spurt and depending on the weather (and Florida’s long growing season), can grow up to 6- 9 inches in less than a year.
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