How much sun does Black Rock-Moss need?

Black Rock-Moss grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Black Rock-Moss native?

Black Rock-Moss (Andreaea rupestris) is native to AL, CA, CT, GA and 21 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Black Rock-Moss HOA-friendly?

Black Rock-Moss is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Black Rock-Moss

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Andreaea rupestris

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Black Rock-Moss (Andreaea rupestris) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

1"–4" H × 1"–4" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, CA, CT, GA and 21 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Piedmont Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Forests Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Acadian Plains and Hills

Andreaea rupestris is a tiny moss that forms dense, dark green cushions on rocks and stone surfaces. This diminutive plant creates neat, velvety patches that stay green year-round and requires minimal care once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Black Rock-Moss is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

This moss provides minimal direct wildlife value as it lacks flowers and produces microscopic spores rather than attracting pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Black Rock-Moss need?: Black Rock-Moss grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Black Rock-Moss native?: Black Rock-Moss (Andreaea rupestris) is native to AL, CA, CT, GA and 21 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Black Rock-Moss HOA-friendly?: Black Rock-Moss is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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