Moss Specimen

Date2007

Object numberHF.2012.49.23

DescriptionA dense mass of brown-green Hylocomium splendens [Hedw.] Schimp in B.S.G. moss with feather-like branches. Leaves are small and slightly curled positioned opposite on the stem. Stems and leaves range in colour from brown to yellow-green. Sample is vaguely oval in shape. Reverse is slightly darker brown in colour. Pieces of other plant matter (needles, seeds, twigs) present in envelope.

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°31'10.38"N, 63°59'46.32"W. Datum: NAD83). Collected from the ground of a black spruce stand.

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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