Kingdom:
Phylum:
Polytrichopsida
Order:
Polytrichales
Species:
formosum
ID:
1170730

Status:
valid

Authors:
Hedw.

Source:
tro

Year:
1801

Citation Micro:
Species Muscorum Frondosorum: 92. 1801

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001170068



Common Names

  • Polytrichum formosum
  • Formosum Polytrichum
  • Formosum Moss


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Description

Polytrichum formosum (also called Handsome Haircap Moss, among many other common names) is a species of moss native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It is a medium-sized moss, with stems that can reach up to 8 cm in height. It has a distinctive, star-shaped leaf pattern, and prefers to grow in moist, shady areas.

Uses & Benefits

Polytrichum formosum has been used for erosion control, soil stabilization, and as a source of food for livestock. It can also be used for composting and mulching.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Polytrichum formosum has small, yellowish-green flowers, which are borne in a terminal spike. The seeds are small, brown and oval-shaped. The seedlings are small, with a single, erect stem and a tuft of leaves at the apex.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Polytrichum formosum can be propagated by spores or division of the plant. It prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. It is best grown in acidic soils and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C).

Where to Find Polytrichum formosum

Polytrichum formosum can be found in moist, shady places in woodlands, heaths and grasslands in Europe, North America, and Asia.

Species in the Polytrichum genus

Polytrichum torquatum, Polytrichum angustifolium, Polytrichum autranii, Polytrichum brachymitrium, Polytrichum breviceps, Polytrichum circinnatulum, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum cupreum, Polytrichum elegans, Polytrichum elongatum, Polytrichum ericoides, Polytrichum gracilisetum, Polytrichum hyperboreum, Polytrichum jensenii, Polytrichum juniperellum, Polytrichum juniperinum, Polytrichum microcephalum, Polytrichum micropysix, Polytrichum oerstedianum, Polytrichum parvum, Polytrichum piliferum, Polytrichum polakowskyi, Polytrichum recurvatum, Polytrichum recurvipilum, Polytrichum stolonigerum, Polytrichum strictum, Polytrichum subcarinatum, Polytrichum subpilosum, Polytrichum swartzii, Polytrichum tonkinense, Polytrichum trachythecium, Polytrichum vaginatum, Polytrichum xanthopilum, Polytrichum stefureacii, Polytrichum perigoniale, Polytrichum densifolium, Polytrichum formosum, Polytrichum longisetum, Polytrichum appalachianum, Polytrichum ohioense, Polytrichum pallidisetum, Polytrichum papillosum,

Species in the Polytrichaceae family

Alophosia azorica, Atrichopsis compressa, Atrichopsis angulata, Atrichopsis australis, Atrichopsis bellii, Atrichopsis capensis, Atrichopsis crispula, Atrichopsis erosa, Atrichopsis laxifolia, Atrichopsis mexicana, Atrichopsis minima, Atrichopsis tapes, Atrichopsis tenuirostris, Atrichopsis tetragona, Atrichopsis trichodon, Atrichopsis tristaniensis, Atrichum cylindricum, Atrichum altecristatum, Atrichum longifolium, Atrichum androgynum, Atrichum angustatum, Atrichum crispulum, Atrichum crispum, Atrichum flavisetum, Atrichum muelleri, Atrichum oerstedianum, Atrichum polycarpum, Atrichum rhystophyllum, Atrichum selwynii, Atrichum subserratum, Atrichum tenellum, Atrichum undulatum, Atrichum yakushimense, Atrichum laoshanense, Bartramiopsis lescurii, Dawsonia beccarii, Dawsonia gigantea, Dawsonia grandis, Dawsonia insignis, Dawsonia lativaginata, Dawsonia longiseta, Dawsonia papuana, Dawsonia polytrichoides, Dawsonia pullei, Dawsonia superba, Dendroligotrichum tongariroense, Dendroligotrichum dendroides, Dendroligotrichum squamosum, Hebantia rigida, Itatiella ulei,

References

Johann Hedwig (1730-1799): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Hedw.' in the authors string.
The Bryophyte Nomenclator: Based on data supplied by Bryonames
Tropicos record: 35141464: Based on data supplied by Bryonames