The most common groups of non-flowering plants include lichen, ferns, moss, and mushrooms. These are spore-producing plants, a significant feature distinguishing them from the seed-producing flowering plants. Still, while they lack beautiful flowers, you will find them to be very attractive and interesting in their own right.

Of course, you can study non-flowering plants anytime, but it may be best to begin in the winter. Unlike many flowering plants, moss, lichen, and some ferns can resist the cold weather, and with the leaves gone from the trees and the wildflowers dormant or dead, spotting them is much easier.

Lichen: Found throughout the world, growing in some of the harshest environments, such as the arctic tundra or places with high temperatures and dry conditions. The mutually beneficial connection between an algae and a fungi makes lichen a living partnership rather than an individual plant.  (Video 13:25 min.) Rotation: Form 1B Winter
Ferns: The much-loved fern plant is beautiful and graceful but is also complex and unique. There is great variety in form, color, and habitat, and from their spores to their fiddleheads, they undergo an unusual process of reproduction. (Video 12:08 min.) Rotation: Form 1B Winter
Moss: (not complete yet) Rotation: Form 1B Winter
Mushrooms: Of all of the non-flowering plants, mushrooms are the most fleeting, and unpredictable. Unlike moss, lichen, and ferns, mushrooms pop up overnight in the most unexpected places and then die back almost as quickly! (Video 12:25 min.) Rotation: Form 1B Spring

Each download includes a handout with a link to the video. In addition, the handout includes the following sections:

• Teacher preparation
• Object lesson questions
• Nature walk goals
• Other activities
• Ways to record your observations
• Book suggestions