Funaria hygrometrica Hedw.
common cord-moss (funaria moss)
Funariaceae
Species Account Author: Wilf Schofield
Extracted from Some Common Mosses of BC
Introduction to the Bryophytes of BC
common cord-moss (funaria moss)
Funariaceae
Species Account Author: Wilf Schofield
Extracted from Some Common Mosses of BC
Introduction to the Bryophytes of BC
Species Information
Species description:
Genus name referring to the cord-like twisting of the drying seta (hence "cord moss" as a popular name). Species name also denoting the twisting and curling of the seta of this species in response to changing moisture in the air.
Comments:
The consistent appearance of this moss on the sites of abandoned bonfires and after forest fires is intriguing.
Distinguishing characteristics:
The pale yellow, extremely curved seta, when young and the very inflated lower part of the long-snouted calyptra added to the sheathing leaves at the seta base, provide characters that quickly identify this moss. In mature sporangia the grooves are distinctive.
Habit:
Short loose turfs of yellow-green, glossy, often bulb-like plants.
Similar Species:
F. muhlenbergii lacks the curved seta and grows on somewhat shaded, usually fine-textured soil.
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
On bare disturbed soil, especially frequent on burned-over sites but also in gardens and neglected agricultural land. A common greenhouse weed. Range
World DistributionWorldwide, probably most frequent in areas of human habitation but also in natural vegetation, mainly at lower elevations.
Status Information
| Scientific Name | Origin Status | Provincial Status | BC List (Red Blue List) | COSEWIC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funaria hygrometrica | Native | S4S5 | Yellow | Not Listed |
| Funaria hygrometrica var. hygrometrica | S4S5 (2015) | Yellow | Not Listed |
BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer.
Synonyms
Synonyms and Alternate Names:
Funaria hygrometrica var. calvescens (Schwägr.) Mont.
Funaria hygrometrica var. convoluta (Hampe) Grout
Funaria hygrometrica var. patula Bruch & Schimp.
Funaria hygrometrica var. utahensis Grout