Family DICRANACEAE

Common name

CURLY THATCH MOSS

Microhabitat

We found this species growing on a granite boulder in an open clearing. However, D. cirrata is more commonly found on woody substrates like logs, tree trunks, fence-posts and rooftops.

Distribution

D. cirrata is very abundant on Vancouver and Seattle streets, and is widespread throughout the temperate portions of the northern hemisphere. In North America, it is generally confined to the Pacific coast from southeast Alaska down to California.

A typical sod
Photo Credit: Yan Zhuang

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Morphology

This small moss is found in close sods, forming large mats. The plants are yellow-green to olive-green in colour. The stems are 1-2 cm long, and the leaves are 2-3 mm long, sharply pointed, spreading apart, and upright when moist. Sporophytes are common: the capsule is red-brown in colour, smooth, and cylindrical with apparent peristome teeth.

Key identifying features

The abundant and erect sporophytes set this moss apart from others that may share features with the gametophyte. When dry, the leaves become twisted and slightly distorted. Another species from this genus, D. crispula, is similar in appearance to D. cirrata, but it is found almost exlusively at high elevations and on acidic rocks. D. cirrata is often found in mats with Orthotrichum consimile.

Interesting notes

D. cirrata is related to Dicranum species, and closely resembles another moss called Weisia. The specific epithet comes from the latin cirrata, meaning tendrilled. Because of its abundance on urban Vancouver streets, it has been suggested that D. cirrata must be highly tolerant to exhaust fumes.

Selected References

Schofield, W.B. 1992. Some common mosses of British Columbia, 2nd ed. Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria, Canada.

Stern, W.T. 1983. Botanical Latin (New Edition). David & Charles Inc., USA.

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© 2006 Department of Botany, University of British Columbia