Why in North America does moss usually grow on the north side of a tree?

Question

Why in North America does moss usually grow on the north side of a tree?

Answer 1

You can probably find out here

http://canopy.evergreen.edu/links/curric...

Answer 2

because the micro climate favors moss growth.  higher humidity, less heat, and the bark acts as a food source for the moss.  When you talk about Spanish moss in the south it grows on all sides of the tree even if the north side is predominant

Answer 3

It has something to do with the sunlight.

Answer 4

Moss usually grows where there is an absence of sunlight. Since the north side of trees in North America get no direct sun moss will have a tendancy to grow there.

Answer 5

Moss only grows in shade.

Answer 6

Because they are simple plants with limited ability to take up water, mosses usually grow in fairly damp, cool places. In somewhat open areas the north side of trees (in the northern hemisphere) is usually cooler and damper than the south where exposure to sun is more likely. In denser, well shaded forests moss is likely to be on any side of a tree.

Answer 7

It's the moister and darker side since it doesn't get very much sun.