Leptobryum pyriforme (Hedw.) Wils.
golden thread-moss (leptobryum moss)
Bryaceae
Species Account Author: Wilf Schofield
Extracted from Some Common Mosses of BC
Introduction to the Bryophytes of BC
golden thread-moss (leptobryum moss)
Bryaceae
Species Account Author: Wilf Schofield
Extracted from Some Common Mosses of BC
Introduction to the Bryophytes of BC
Species Information
Species description:
Genus name meaning delicate or slender Bryum, probably denoting the slender leaves as well as the slender, shiny seta. Species name describing the pear-shaped sporangium.
Reproduction:
Sporophytes common, the shiny golden-brown, nodding, pear-shaped sporangium is diagnostic.
Distinguishing characteristics:
The slender silken leaves, broadly divergent from a subclasping base, combined with the glossy, golden brown, pear-shaped, nodding sporangia are distinctive.
Habit:
Silky, small, light green to yellow-green plants forming loose to dense short turfs; leaves almost hair-like when dry, strongly divergent when humid.
Similar Species:
From species of Bryum and Pohlia, the slender, silken, shiny leaves are enough to separate the Leptobryum. No other moss in British Columbia has nodding, pear-shaped sporangia on a similar leafy plant with slender silken leaves.
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
Disturbed earth, especially in burned-over forests but also in gardens, as a greenhouse weed, and on concrete of walls.Range
World DistributionNearly cosmopolitan but more frequent in temperate climates; found on all continents except Antarctica.
Status Information
Synonyms
Synonyms and Alternate Names:
Leptobryum pyriforme var. flagelliferum Holz.