Common haircap moss • Polytrichum commune
Identification
Common haircap moss grows in large patches and is distinguishable by its wiry spiked shoots which grow up to 40 cm long (usually around 20 cm), and resemble a miniature display of green fireworks. When moist the 8-12 mm spikes curve sharply away from the stem. While dry the spikes retreat inwards and gently curl around the stem. In the summer a 4-angled, box-like, red capsule is produced on a long (to 12 cm) stalk (seta). When mature the capsule is covered by a hairy whitish to golden brown calyptra.
Habitat & Range
This moss is found in a large range of damp acidic habitats, including moist forests from sea level to sub alpine, and moist cliff faces. It is widespread on the BC coast.
Similar Species
All species in the genus Polytrichum are identified by the 4-angled capsules. Polytrichum species have distinct lamellae on their leaves, which are dark-green ridges running lengthwise along the leaf midrib: Polytrichum commune is distinguished from other species by U-shaped lamellae cells, found on the ventral (upper) surface of the leaves. Click here for more information on these structures. Common haircap moss also the tallest of the genus.
Black haircap moss (Polytrichastrum formosum) is shorter and has broader leaves than those of common haircap moss, while juniper haircap moss (Polytrichum juniperum) has shiny blue-green leaves.
Interesting Info
For a more in-depth look at Polytrichum commune visit UBC's Introduction to Bryophytes blog.
iNaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/68293-Polytrichum-commune
Common haircap moss grows in large patches and is distinguishable by its wiry spiked shoots which grow up to 40 cm long (usually around 20 cm), and resemble a miniature display of green fireworks. When moist the 8-12 mm spikes curve sharply away from the stem. While dry the spikes retreat inwards and gently curl around the stem. In the summer a 4-angled, box-like, red capsule is produced on a long (to 12 cm) stalk (seta). When mature the capsule is covered by a hairy whitish to golden brown calyptra.
Habitat & Range
This moss is found in a large range of damp acidic habitats, including moist forests from sea level to sub alpine, and moist cliff faces. It is widespread on the BC coast.
Similar Species
All species in the genus Polytrichum are identified by the 4-angled capsules. Polytrichum species have distinct lamellae on their leaves, which are dark-green ridges running lengthwise along the leaf midrib: Polytrichum commune is distinguished from other species by U-shaped lamellae cells, found on the ventral (upper) surface of the leaves. Click here for more information on these structures. Common haircap moss also the tallest of the genus.
Black haircap moss (Polytrichastrum formosum) is shorter and has broader leaves than those of common haircap moss, while juniper haircap moss (Polytrichum juniperum) has shiny blue-green leaves.
Interesting Info
For a more in-depth look at Polytrichum commune visit UBC's Introduction to Bryophytes blog.
iNaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/68293-Polytrichum-commune
References
Ellis, S. Polytrichum commune. Introduction to Bryophytes. Biology 321, Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Accessed 25/11/2014.
Pojar, J and MacKinnon, A. (2005). Plants of Coastal British Columbia, Revised. Vancouver, BC: Lone Pine Publishing. P. 246.
Rumsey, Fred. Polytrichum commune var. commune. BBS Field Guide. Accessed 23/11/2014.
Editors and editors of page
Paige Whitehead, Kelly Fretwell, and Brian Starzomski (2014).
Ellis, S. Polytrichum commune. Introduction to Bryophytes. Biology 321, Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Accessed 25/11/2014.
Pojar, J and MacKinnon, A. (2005). Plants of Coastal British Columbia, Revised. Vancouver, BC: Lone Pine Publishing. P. 246.
Rumsey, Fred. Polytrichum commune var. commune. BBS Field Guide. Accessed 23/11/2014.
Editors and editors of page
Paige Whitehead, Kelly Fretwell, and Brian Starzomski (2014).