Irish moss are prostrate herbaceous evergreen perennials in the carnation family (Caryophyllaceous) that superficially resemble moss. They are, however, flowering plants that thrive in full sun to partial shade rather than the moist, shady conditions where true mosses are found (mosses are primitive, non-flowering plants). The common name Irish moss generally refers to plants with emerald-green leaves while Scotch moss is generally used for cultivars with gold to chartreuse foliage.
