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Green scale #857324

Asked January 12, 2024, 1:53 PM EST

I have a miss garden and am noticing a bright green scale spreading and replacing moss. Is it native? When I remove it, (waiting for moss to spread again) the exposed bare soil is covered with beginning of scale again within days. Thanks.

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Thank you for your question.  I don't know what a "miss" garden is.  And I am unable to assess the size of the leaves of this ground cover.  (It is not "scale"; scale is an insect that feeds on plant stems and leaves.  I suspect this is the species called "Creeping Charlie" or "Creeping Jenny", but, without information about leaf size, and close up photos, I can only surmise.  It would also be helpful to know whether the plant flowers and, if so, the color of the flower petals.  Here are two articles about these weed, and their control:  https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/controlling-creeping-charlie/  and https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/weeds-creeping-jenny/
However, until an accurate identification is made, I suggest you stick to "elbow grease" by removing it when the soil is warm enough to get all of the roots pulled, to keep it from spreading.   I hope this is helpful.  Good luck!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied January 17, 2024, 1:32 PM EST
I realized you meant "moss garden."  Here is a short article about how to grow moss in your landscape that may help:  https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2071/2013/12/Moss-in-Lawns-and-Gardens.pdf
An Ask Extension Expert Replied January 17, 2024, 2:07 PM EST

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