Most Common Nonvascular
Pincushion moss (Leucobryum glaucum) is a moss species also commonly referred to as a pin cushion moss, for its appearance. Pincushion moss is native to North America and Europe and is often cultivated as an ornamental moss.
Silvergreen bryum moss (Bryum argenteum) is a moss species found on all global continents, even Antarctica. Silvergreen bryum moss is also referred to as silvery thread moss. It is often spread on the soles of people’s shoes or on the feet of animals.
Delicate fern moss (Thuidium delicatulum) is a delicate moss that resembles an assortment of tiny ferns. Delicate fern moss carpets the ground and grows on surfaces like branches, rocks, logs or damp soil. Birds use it for nesting material and it provides protective cover for small animals. It grows in partial sun to shade and varies in color from light to dark green.
Toothed plagiomnium moss (Plagiomnium cuspidatum) is commonly found growing in wet meadows, rich peatlands and forests. Grows best in cool climates, partial sun to light shade in moist, well-drained soil. The foliage of this fern-looking moss is often used by birds and salamanders for nesting material.
Star moss, or Syntrichia ruralis, is a unique moss that grows on rocks and ledges. When dry, it appears reddish and shrunken. When Star moss gets wet, the leaves turn a lush green and begin to spread out.
Common liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha) Is a subtropical ground covering plant with forked branches that will grow to 4 inches long. It does not produce flowers nor seeds. Considered a weed in gardens and lawns, it forms a dense carpet over the ground and reproduces by spores. It is fire tolerant and has been useful in woodland restoration projects to help deter ground erosion.
Another name for Tortula moss (Tortula muralis) is wall screw-moss. It’s a species that’s found from one end of the globe to another. Like all mosses, Tortula moss can be used as an air quality indicator. That’s because what the moss absorbs from its surroundings is an excellent indicator of atmospheric air pollution.
Brocade moss (Hypnum imponens) gets its name from the fact that it looks a bit like emerald embroidery. You’ll find it forming sprawling mats on old decaying logs. It’s one of many so-called “feather mosses,” so-named for their feathery appearance.
American climacium moss (Climacium americanum) is native to North America. Its common name reflects the tree-like appearance of its small, branching leaves. This moss is resilient and can survive in both wet and dry conditions. It, along with other varieties of moss, are used as a nesting material by both the Four-Toed Salamander and the American Robin.
Often found on damp rock structures, Great scented liverwort prefers to grow where it has constant moisture without being soggy. It gets its common name for its faint odor of urine, which occurs because it soaks up nitrogen and sulfur from its habitat.
Knights plume moss (Ptilium crista-castrensis), sometimes known as ostrich-plume feathermoss, is a forest moss that gets its name from its feathery shape. It is a common natural ground cover in boreal forests throughout Canada and northern Europe.
Common apple-moss (Bartramia pomiformis) is a type of moss with thin-toothed leaves that curl if they become dry. Tufts of the moss grow spherical capsules on stalks that extend past the leaves. Common apple-moss prefers humid, shaded environments amid rock crags or along riverbanks.
Dicranoweisia cirrata is a medium-sized species of moss. It grows in the form of relatively rounded turfs and is not very choosy when it comes to the habitat. It can be found on decomposing wood, live or dead tree trunks, fences, and also rocks.
A very common moss, the Horn calcareous moss forms dense, soft tufts there were once used traditionally as a stuffing for mattresses. It grows in wet habitats, with constantly open spores that absorb water. It provides a habitat for numerous insects, frogs, and fungi.
