Moss Specimen

Date2007

Dimensions1.5 x 6 x 9 cm (9/16 x 2 3/8 x 3 9/16 in.)

Object numberHF.2012.49.20

DescriptionA green and brown sample of Dicranum polysetum Sw. plus Pleuozium schreberi [Brid.] Mitt. moss with thin branches covered in wispy, triangular shaped leaves on the entire length. Thin yellow-red shafts extend beyond the branches with narrow capsules on the end. Dark brown roots are at the base of the branches. The reverse is mostly dark brown and the thickness of the branches is more clearly visible.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Bryophyta
Class: Bryopsida
Order: Dicranales
Family: Dicranaceae
Genus: Dicranum Hedw.
Species: Dicranum polysetum Sw.

Narrative

Collected on August 7, 2007 by Rosemary Curley in Richmond, Prince County, PEI (46°31'10.38"N, 63°59'46.32"W Datum: NAD83). Collected from an 85 year old black spruce.

Dicranum polysetum Sw. name refers to the many stalks which support the spore containing sporangia. Identifiable by the dense rhizoids and multiple sporophytes, which forms tall loose tufts 10-15 cm tall. Stems are erect and often branched with leaves up to 10 mm long which narrow from an oblong base to a slender tip.

Dicranum polysetum Sw. is commonly found in well-drained sites in coniferous forests, away from coasts, in swamps and in bog margins. It will grow occasionally in mineral soil or on rock surfaces. Geographically it is found circumboreal and extends throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Locally it is found throughout the three Maritime provinces.

Collections