Moss Specimen

Date2007

Dimensions1 x 7.5 x 13 cm (3/8 x 2 15/16 x 5 1/8 in.)

Object numberHF.2012.49.1

DescriptionA clump Pleurozium schreberi moss, yellow-brown in colour with dark brown roots. Moss stem and leaves have feather-like, loose growth pattern. Dried leaves are broadly ovate with short double costa. Leaves branch from a single stem. The reverse has dark brown roots intertwined with soil.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum:
Class: Bryopsida
Order: Hypnales
Family: Hylocomiaceae
Genus: Pleurozium
Species: Pleurozium schreberi
Narrative

Collected July 18, 2007, by Rosemary Curley from Basin Head Dunes, Bothwell, PEI (46° 22'44.46"N, 62°6'24.54W. Datum NAD83). Collected from old stunted black spruce.

Pleurozium schreberi was named after the German botanist, J.C. Schreber (1739-1810). It primarily grows in dry climates and can be found in coastal regions with acidic soil. It can also be found in rock and cliff ledges, at tree bases, and in bogs. The moss grows to form loose mats yellow-green, gold-green or dull-green in colour. It is commonly referred to as "red-stem" moss due to the central reddish stem from which the feathery leaves branch. In summer to autumn, the moss may turn a dark red-brown as it matures.

Red-stem moss is commonly found growing in the boreal forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. It is found in all three Maritime provinces.

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