E-Flora BC: Electronic Atlas of the Flora of British Columbia

Pohlia nutans (Hedw.) Lindb.
nodding thread-moss (pohlia moss)
Bryaceae

Species Account Author: Wilf Schofield
Extracted from Some Common Mosses of British Columbia

Introduction to the Bryophytes of BC

© Jamie Fenneman  Email the photographer   (Photo ID #24823)

E-Flora BC Static Map
Distribution of Pohlia nutans
Click here to view our interactive map and legend
Details about map content are available here
Click on the map dots to view record details.

Species Information

Click on the image below to view an expanded illustration for this species.



Illustration Source: Some Common Mosses of BC

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.)

Habitat / Range

Habitat
Mineral soil banks, humus soil and rotten logs in somewhat shaded to sunny sites from sea level to alpine elevations.
Range
World Distribution

Circumpolar in the Northern Hemisphere, extending in North America southward to Mexico (where rare).

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.

Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Links

Additional Range and Status Information Links

Additional Photo Sources

General References