Plagiomnium insigne (Mitt.) Kop.
coastal leafy moss (plagiomnium moss)
Mniaceae
Species Account Author: Wilf Schofield
Extracted from Some Common Mosses of BC
Introduction to the Bryophytes of BC
coastal leafy moss (plagiomnium moss)
Mniaceae
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 oblique Mnium, probably in reference to the obliquely arching shoots of many species. Species name meaning notable, possibly in reference to the remarkable size of the plants or perhaps to the apical rosette of leaves in male shoots that resemble a decorative medal.
Comments:
This species also has been treated under the name Mnium insigne, a synonym.
Distinguishing characteristics:
This is the largest Plagiomnium in British Columbia. It is usually terrestrial or on rotten logs in broad-leafed forests of humid climates. The strongly decurrent leaves with pointed tips are distinctive, as is the flower-like rosette of leaves at the apex of the male shoots. The presence of several sporophytes from each female plant characterizes many species of Plagiomnium.
Habit:
Forming loose, tall turfs of translucent, dark green to light green plants attached to the substratum by dark brown rhizoids; leaves strongly contorted when dry.
Similar Species:
P. ciliare, although with leaves bearing decurrent bases, regularly produces a single sporophyte on each shoot. In P. cuspidatum and P. drummondii, the marginal teeth of the leaves are above the leaf middle only (to the base in P. insigne); P. venustum is less than half the size of P. insigne and confined to well-drained sites (especially frequent as an epiphyte) and separate male plants are absent; P. venustum is also yellow-green rather than translucent dark green. P. medium, although having decurrent bases, has older shoots heavily clothed with rhizoids; old shoots of P. insigne are nearly naked. P. ellipticum lacks decurrent leaf bases.
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
Somewhat shaded banks and swampy areas or alluvial sites, occasionally in lawns, especially in shaded sites, most frequent near sea level near the coast where it is most common in floodplain forests, but extending to sub alpine elevations. Range
World DistributionConfined to western North America from southeastern Alaska to California and eastward to western Montana.
Status Information
Synonyms
Synonyms and Alternate Names:
Mnium insigne Mitt.
Mnium insigne var. intermedium Kindb. in Mac.