Pohlia nutans (Hedw.) Lindb.
nodding thread-moss (pohlia moss)
Bryaceae
Species Account Author: Wilf Schofield
Extracted from Some Common Mosses of BC
Introduction to the Bryophytes of BC
nodding thread-moss (pohlia moss)
Bryaceae
Species Account Author: Wilf Schofield
Extracted from Some Common Mosses of BC
Introduction to the Bryophytes of BC
Species Information
Species description:
Species name describing the nodding sporangium.
Reproduction:
Sporophytes common; sporangia light red-brown, not glossy, maturing in summer.
Distinguishing characteristics:
This is an extremely common and widespread species throughout British Columbia, especially frequent at high elevations and in higher latitudes. There is no reliable field character, however, to separate it from many species of Pohlia and Bryum.
Habit:
Forming short, dense, light green to dark green turfs.
Similar Species:
(See Distinguishing Features.)
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
Mineral soil banks, humus soil and rotten logs in somewhat shaded to sunny sites from sea level to alpine elevations.Range
World DistributionCircumpolar in the Northern Hemisphere, extending in North America southward to Mexico (where rare).
Status Information
Synonyms
Synonyms and Alternate Names:
Pohlia nutans subsp. schimperi (Müll. Hal.) Nyholm
Pohlia rutilans (Schimp.) Lindb.
Pohlia schimperi (Müll. Hal.) Andrews
Pohlia sphagnicola (Bruch & Schimp.) Broth.