Moss Specimen

Date2007

Dimensions1 x 7 x 8 cm (3/8 x 2 3/4 x 3 1/8 in.)

Object numberHF.2012.49.24

DescriptionA sample of green and brown Thuidium delicatulum [Hedw.] Schimp. in B.S.G. plus Trichocolea tomentella [Ehrhart] Dumortier moss with thin branches projecting from a dense, interwoven mass of leaves and roots. Branches range in colour from green-brown, yellow-green, to green-grey. The branches have thin, feather-like leaves oriented opposite each other. Smooth, thin stands extend past the length of the leafed branches. The reverse side is similar colours and textures. Sample is vaguely triangular shaped.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Bryophyta
Class: Bryopsida
Order: Hypnales
Family: Thuidiaceae
Genus: Thuidium
Species: Thuidium delicatulum [Hedw.] Schimp.

Narrative

Collected August 7, 2007, by Rosemary Curley from Northam, Prince County, PEI (46°54'25.74"N, 62°93'35.22"W. Datum: NAD83). Collected from the ground in a mucky, ferny spot in rich wet hardwoods.

Thuidium delicatulum [Hedw.] Schimp. is an often large, robust moss which forms dense green to reddish golden mats and resembles the fronds of a small fern. Stems are arched and densely covered in narrow scale-like leaves 0.5mm in length. Larger compound stem leaves are 1mm in length and broadly ovate, to triangular-ovate in shape. Stalks with spore bearing capsules are produced infrequently from the leaves of the moss. When they do occur, the stalks are 1.5-4.5cm long. The apex of each stalk has a solitary spore bearing capsule, 2-4mm long. Spores are released into the wind as the stalk ages.

Thuidium delicatulum grows in habitats with partial sun to medium shade, in wet to moist conditions, in acidic soil or humus. It will grow on rotting logs and on shaded weathered sandstone in protected areas, such as wooded ravines. It has a wide distribution in North and South America as well as Europe, Northern Asia, Middle America and Southern Asia. It can be found throughout the three Maritime provinces, although is less common in Prince County, PEI.

Historically, fern mosses have been used to fill holes in log cabins, as stuffing in mattresses, cradles and coffins, for packing material, and for ornamental purposes.

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