Different species often prefer different habitats and in the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest there is an abundance of niches for mosses to grow.

This conk in a tree proves to be a perfect spot for a number of plants to establish themselves.

The diversity of these plants is demonstrated with these images.

Above is the fine thin form of Anacolia menziesii and on the right, broader curly leaves of Dendroalsia  abietina.

These three images further demonstrate the diversity of mosses. The Tree Ruffle (above, left) barely resembles a moss at all, clinging to trees as it does and sort of reaching out into the air.

Homalothecium nuttallii (above right) clings to the rough bark similar to ivy. Other mosses like Homalothecium pinnatifidum (left) are able to flourish on rocks.

Bryum is another moss which prefers rocks. It endures the constant flow of water from the rains that rush down the mountain sides. The environment here suits this moss as it turns red and bursts into flower.