Moss Specimen

Date2007

Dimensions2 x 6 cm (13/16 x 2 3/8 in.)

Object numberHF.2012.49.11

DescriptionA dense mass of Hylocomium splendens [Hedw.] Schimp in B.S.G. Green in colour with feather-like branches. Leaves are small and slightly curled. Sample is brown around the edges and vaguely rectangular in shape. Reverse is almost completely brown in colour. Pieces of other plant matter (needles, seeds, twigs) present. Many pieces of loose plant matter (needles, seeds, twigs) also in package.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Bryophyta
Class: Bryopsida
Order: Hypnales
Family: Hylocomiaceae
Genus: Hylocomium
Species: Hylocomium splendens [Hedw.] Schimp.

Narrative

Collected July 25, 2007, by Rosemary Curley from Forest Hill WMA, Kings County, PEI (46°21'36.6"N, 62°30'34.2"W. Datum: NAD83). Collected from the ground of a black spruce stand and trail.

Hylocomium splendens is a common moss that grows in loose carpets. It has a pleurocarpous (horizontal trailing stems) growth form with branched growth pattern. The moss forms a new bi-pinnately branched, feathery "step" for each year of its growth. The branched leaves are double costate.

Hylocomium splendens grows in a variety of habitats including rotting logs, cliff faces, tree trunks and the forest floor. It is commonly found in coastal areas and coniferous forest. Geographically it can be found throughout North America, Australia, Europe, South & North Asia. It is common throughout the three Maritime provinces.

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