Late Bloom Of Moss

Observation by Karis Porcincula:

While out looking for fiddle heads, we noticed the moss is blooming late this year (along with just about everything else) Usually by now the moss would be light/dark brown and maybe growing some berries, but instead it's a bright red and there is nothing growing. Is this happening anywhere else?

Comments from LEO Editors:

This observation has been passed on to the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Mossberries (Empetrum nigru) are a native plant species in Alaska, also known around as crowberries or blackberries. The berries are a dark blue/black, and are produced by small, evergreen shrubs with long, narrow, needle-like leaves. Mossberries are high in antixoidants, and are frequently used in pies and jams. Erica Lujan