Moss Specimen

Date2007

Dimensions2.5 x 4 x 7.5 cm (1 x 1 9/16 x 2 15/16 in.)

Object numberHF.2012.49.3

DescriptionA dense clump of Dicranum scoparium Hedw. moss, dark green, brown, and light-green in colour. Leaves are very fine, curled, and are variable with a toothed surface. Specimen is oval shaped with a slightly rounded top. Base is dark brown with dark clusters of roots among dirt. Fragments of other organic matter present at base.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Bryophyta
Class: Bryopsida
Subclass: Dicranidae
Order: Dicranales
Family: Dicranaceae
Genus: Dicranum Hedw.
Species: Dicranum scoparium Hedw.
Narrative

Collected July 25, 2007, by Rosemary Curley from Pratt Road, Southampton, Kings County, PEI (46°22'39.96"N, 62°33'49.98"W. Datum: WDS84). Collected growing on a Sugar Maple.

Dicranum scoparium Hedw. commonly grows in dense tufts with stems 2-10 cm in length. Leaves are variable, curled and slightly contorted approximately 4-15x0.8-1.8mm. The moss matures in spring and is extremely variable with regards to its habitat. It is commonly found growing in soil, humus, humus over rock, decaying stumps and logs, tree bases in dry to mesic woodlands, and is sometimes found in bogs, fens and swamps.

The species name refers to a broom and refers to the swept appearance of the curved leaves. It can be found growing in Australia, Middle America, North America, Europe, Southern Asia & Northern Asia except for China.

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