Common Name:
Irish moss
Scientific Name:
Chondrus crispus
Unique Qualities:
It's not always green! It has a dramatic range of colours from a dark purple red colour to a yellow white colour. The moss provides shelter for young fish, lobsters and other coastline creatures, as well as food for the green sea urchin.
Can be Seen:
On the North Atlantic coast, especially around Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island.
Likes to Hang Out:
Swaying on rocks in coastal waters.
Benefits of the Plant :
Irish moss can be used to cure and abate the symptoms of colds and flu, thus the eating of Irish moss forms an effective barrier to the ills of winter. There are also body lotions that use Irish moss in their recipes.
Status:
Irish moss is often bleached white in the summer, because of a lack of nutrients in the water. Conservation and protection of Irish moss is occurring at a community level, where specific problems occur.
