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This study investigates the potential of moss species for extensive green roofs to achieve very shallow substrate, low maintenance and low cost green roofs. The performance of four moss species (Didymodon constrictus, Eurhynchium hians, Polytrichum commune and Racomitrium japonicum) were assessed using three kinds of substrate: (a) a mixture of clay soil and compost, b) baked black soil and c) river sand for two years in Chiba, within the Tokyo region of Japan. The individual species were grown in monoculture in 4 cm depth of substrate in trays on a rooftop without supplemental irrigation using an onsite propagation method. Although all four species became dormant in conditions of high temperature and little rain, it was possible for all to establish and survive. R. japonicum showed the greatest coverage among the four species, reaching 70%–80% cover in the first four months. P. commune performed …