Moss Specimen

Date2007

Dimensions1 x 6 x 5 cm (3/8 x 2 3/8 x 1 15/16 in.)

Object numberHF.2012.49.18

DescriptionA fan-shaped piece of Climacium dendroides [Hedw.] Web. & Mohr plus Atrichum altercristatum [Ren. & Card.] Smyth & Smyth moss with brown coloured branches, and thin feather-like leaves. Leaves are bunched together towards the top half of the branch. Base of the branches narrow and are connected to dark, grey-brown sediment. The reverse is dark, red-brown in colour.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Viridiplantae
Class: Bryopsida
Order: Bryales
Family: Mniaceae
Genus: Plagiomnium
Species: Climacium dendroides [Hedw.] Web. & Mohr

Narrative

Collected August 7, 2007, by Rosemary Curley in Richmond, Prince County, PEI (46°29'24.42"N, 64°0'19.08"W. Datum: NAD83) Collected in a rich, wet hardwood forest on top of the mound.

Climacium dendroides [Hedw.] Web. & Mohr is a perennial evergreen moss. Its primary stems grow 2-10cm tall and spread across the ground, typically just above or below a layer of leaves or other debris. Secondary stems are unbranched and densely leafy along the middle and above. Leaves are attached to all sides of the secondary stem and sometimes overlap. The colour of leaves varies with age. The overall shape is that of a miniature tree.

Climacium dendroides prefers in dappled sunlight to moderate shade in wet to mesic conditions, and soil containing rocky material, humus, or clay-loam. It is common throughout North America, Europe, Asia and in New Zealand. Locally it is found in all three Maritime provinces.

In the past this moss has been a popular material for decorative wreaths and crosses.

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