
Common Name: Awl-leaf Pearlwort, Irish Moss
Irish Moss creates a close carpet of fine, deep green foliage, with tiny white flowers scattered across it in spring and summer. Although it resembles moss, it is a flowering perennial whose slender stems root as they spread.
The low growth fits between stepping stones, around rocks and in shallow containers. It tolerates occasional footsteps, making it useful along lightly used paths where a small-scale groundcover is wanted.
Provide cool, evenly moist conditions with good drainage. Sun is suitable in cool locations; some midday shade helps in warmer settings. Both prolonged dryness and waterlogged soil can damage the planting.
Size
• Height: 1–2 in
• Width: 3–12 in
Hardiness
• USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Best Uses
• Ground Cover
• Rock Garden
• Container
| Plant Type: | Perennial, Groundcover |
| Width: | 3-12 in |
| Height: | 1-2 in |
| Fragrant: | Yes |
| Fruit: | No |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Zone: | 4a–8b |
| Deer Resistant: | Yes |
| Salt Tolerant: | No |
| Drought Tolerant: | No |
| Exposure: | Full sun to part shade |
| Bloom Time: | Spring, Summer |
| Landscape/Use: | Container, Ground Cover, Rock Garden |
| Shape: | Low Spreading, Dense, Mat forming |
| Soil Type | Moist well-drained, Slightly Acidic |
| Flower Color: | White |
| Leaf Color: | Dark Green |
| Fall Color: | Green |