Moss Identification: A Guide to Common Types of Moss
Moss Identification; Mosses are small, non-vascular flowerless plants that have become increasingly popular in recent times. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common types of moss and how to identify them.
- Ribbed Bog Moss (Aulacomnium Palustre)
Ribbed bog moss, also known as Aulacomnium palustre, is a genus of mosses that has a circumpolar distribution. This type of moss can be identified by its loose or dense tufts, green to yellow coloring above, and brown coloring below. The stems of Ribbed bog moss can range from 1-11 cm tall and have numerous rhizoids in the leaf axis, but not at the very top.
- Star Moss (Tortula Ruralis)
Star moss, or Tortula Ruralis, is a genus of mosses in the Pottiaceae family and Bryopsida class. This moss can be identified by its striking resemblance to a cluster of small stars. One of the most intriguing characteristics of Star moss is its ability to go dormant for long periods of time.
- Pointed Spear Moss (Calliergonella cuspidata)
Calliergonella cuspidata, commonly known as Pointed Spear moss, is medium-sized and typically grows in groups with other bryophytes, or it forms green, yellow-green, or orange-brown patches. Its shoots are typically 3 to 8 cm long, but can be longer, and are often red near the base. Pointed Spear moss is often found in the company of other robust mosses.
- Pincushion Moss (Leucobryum Glaucum)
Leucobryum glaucum, commonly known as Pincushion Moss, is a species of haplolepideous moss with a wide distribution in eastern North America and Europe. This perennial evergreen moss grows acrocarpously, forming dense plant cushions. The stems of Pincushion Moss are from 1 to 12 cm long, with a pale green color that turns brown with age.
- Shiny Seductive Moss (Entodon seductrix)
Entodon seductrix, also known as the seductive entodon moss or Shiny Seductive Moss, is a small plant that grows to be about 3 cm tall and spreads horizontally rather than vertically. The plant’s leaves are ovate in shape and have a glossy surface. Shiny Seductive Moss grows quickly and has a delicate, feathery appearance.
- Spoon-Leaved Moss (Bryoandersonia Illecebra)
Spoon-Leaved Moss, or Bryoandersonia Illecebra, is a moss that is shiny, green to greenish yellow-brown in color, with creeping stems and ascending, intertwined branches that form deep mats. In comparison to most moss species, it is quite large and striking.
- Big Shaggy Moss (Rhytidiadelphus Triquetrus)
Rhytidiadelphus Triquetrus, also known as Big Shaggy Moss, is frequently the dominant moss species in moderately rich forest habitats in the boreal regions and the Pacific Northwest. It is a large, loosely spreading leafy moss with pale green leaves that point in various directions. The sprouts’ shoots are reddish and irregularly branched.
- Plume Moss (Ptilium Crista-Castrensis)
Plume Moss, or Ptilium Crista-Castrensis, is a forest moss that gets its name from its feathery.
If you want more details with pictures for moss identification, check out the full video below.
* If you want to know how to find and store moss for further use at home, you can watch this video.
* If you want to know How to revive Moss, you can watch this video.
* How to Make Moss Terrarium, watch this step by step video.
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