Polytrichastrum alpinum (Hedwig) G. L. Smith
alpine haircap
Polytrichaceae
Species Account Author: Wilf Schofield
Extracted from Some Common Mosses of BC
Introduction to the Bryophytes of BC
alpine haircap
Polytrichaceae
Species Account Author: Wilf Schofield
Extracted from Some Common Mosses of BC
Introduction to the Bryophytes of BC
Photograph
SUBTAXA PRESENT IN BC
Species Information
Species description:
Genus name referring to the many hairs on the calyptra. Species name indicating the Alps, where the species was first collected.
Comments:
This species has been treated under the names Polytrichastrum alpinum, Pogonatum alpinum, Pogonatum macounii and Pogonatum alpinum var. sylvaticum, all of which are considered synonyms.
Distinguishing characteristics:
Useful features include the toothed leaves with numerous lamellae on the upper surface, the lower portion of the stem with extremely reduced leaves that lack lamellae and the usually elongate sporangium that is rounded in cross section.
Habit:
Loose, dark green, turfs 20-150 mm tall, attached to the substratum by rhizoids at the base of the shoots.
Similar Species:
From species of Pogonatum, Polytrichium alpinum difÂfers conspicuously in the time of maturation of the sporangia, in spring and summer instead of autumn. From other Polytrichum species, the sporangium that lacks angles, and the lack of a conspicuous bulge at the apex of the seta where it joins the sporangium, are usually diagnostic.
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
Frequent on earth of banks, cliff crevices, on overturned tree roots, and forest floor, occasional on rotten logs, frequent in coniferous forest; extending from sea level to alpine elevations. Range
World DistributionWidespread in the Northern Hemisphere, also in mountains of Africa and in southern South America and Australasia.