Dicranoweisia crispula (Hedw.) Lindb. ex Milde
no common name
Dicranaceae
Species Account Author: Wilf Schofield
Extracted from Some Common Mosses of BC
Introduction to the Bryophytes of BC
no common name
Dicranaceae
Species Account Author: Wilf Schofield
Extracted from Some Common Mosses of BC
Introduction to the Bryophytes of BC
Photograph
Species Information
Species description:
Species name referring to the leaves that become much twisted when dry.
Reproduction:
Sporophytes frequent in summer, yellowish to pale brown.
Distinguishing characteristics:
With sporophytes, and based on its habitat, the very contorted leaves and suberect to erect sporangium are diagnostic.
Habit:
Forming dark green to yellow-green tufts.
Similar Species:
Some species of Kiaeria, found in similar habitats and at the same elevation, can be confused with D. crispula. In Kiaeria, however, the leaves are usually curved on a single side of the shoot and the sporangia are not erect. Amphidium, which also occurs in rock crevices, is easily distinguished when with sporophytes by the short seta and the sporangium that is grooved when dry. Amphidium also lacks peristome teeth. Sterile tufts of Amphidium are dense and are confined to crevices.
Illustration
If more than one illustration is available for a species (e.g., separate illustrations were provided for two subspecies) then links to the separate images will be provided below. Note that individual subspecies or varietal illustrations are not always available.
Illustration Source: Some Common Mosses of BC
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Confined to siliceous rock surfaces and crevices, generally at alpine to subalpine elevations, usually in sunny sites. Range
World DistributionWidespread in arctic and boreal regions, particularly in mountains. In North America extending southward in the east to New Hampshire and in the west to California.