Moss Specimen

Date2007

Dimensions1 x 8 x 12 cm (3/8 x 3 1/8 x 4 3/4 in.)

Object numberHF.2012.49.9

DescriptionA sample of Calliergon cordifolium [Hedw.] Kindb. moss, green and brown in colour with thin branches projecting from a dense, interwoven mass of leaves and roots. Branches are green-brown in colour with thin, triangular-shaped alternating leaves. Center mass has a variation of yellow-green, light-green, brown colours. The reverse side is mainly shades of brown with a section of thicker, grey-brown roots/branches? Sample is vaguely triangular, with branches reaching upward and out to the right side.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Bryophyta
Class: Bryopsida
Order: Bryopsida
Family: Amblystegiaceae
Genus: Calliergon
Species: Calliergon cordifolium [Hedw.] Kindb.

Narrative

Collected July 25, 2007, by Rosemary Curley from Pratt Road, Southampton, Kings County, PEI (46°22'46.98"?N, 62°33'48"W. Datum: NAD83). Growing on the ground. Associated plants: marsh marigold, viburnum caddanoides, thelyptoris, sphagnum.

Calliergon cordifolium [Hedw.] Kindb. is a medium to large green, sometimes brownish moss. Stems often have few, irregularly radial branches. Stem leaves are ovate-cordate, triangular-ovate shaped, wide near base and end shortly before the apex.

Calliergon cordifolium is commonly confused with Calliergonella cuspidate and C. giganteum when in the field. It grows in moist or wet, nutrient rich habitats such as fens, shores, ditches and swampy forests at low to high elevations. Geographically it is found throughout North America, Europe, Asia as well as New Zealand. Locally, it can be found in all three Maritime provinces.

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