Atrichum angustatum
lesser smoothcap
Eastern North America, Europe, and Asia
SunPart Shade – Full Shade
WaterHigh
Overview
Atrichum angustatum is a small acrocarpous moss in the family Polytrichaceae that forms low, open turfs on bare soil. Individual shoots stand 0.4-2 inches (1-5 cm) tall, with narrow, lance-shaped leaves 3-6 mm long that curl and twist when dry and spread when moist. The leaf surface carries several low ridges (lamellae) along the midrib and toothed margins, features shared across the genus. Unlike flowering plants, it reproduces by spores: slender reddish stalks 0.6-1.6 inches (1.5-4 cm) tall rise from the shoot tips and carry a single cylindrical capsule that releases spores when ripe. It grows on disturbed, acidic mineral soil along trail banks, ditches, road cuts, and woodland clearings, often as one of the first plants to colonize exposed ground. The species spreads both by spores and by branching of the leafy shoots. It is widespread across eastern North America and parts of Europe and Asia. One limitation in any managed setting is its dependence on bare, compacted soil; it is crowded out as taller vegetation and leaf litter accumulate over the site.
Native Range
Atrichum angustatum is widespread in eastern North America from Canada south to the Gulf states, and also occurs in parts of Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It grows on exposed, acidic soils in woodlands, clearings, and disturbed banks.Suggested Uses
Atrichum angustatum is used as a groundcover in moss gardens, shaded rock features, and terrariums, and for stabilizing bare, acidic soil on shaded banks. It suits damp, low-traffic areas under trees. It does not tolerate dense leaf litter or prolonged dryness.How to Identify
Appearance
Bloom Information
This moss does not flower. Spore capsules mature in fall and winter, releasing spores from cylindrical capsules held on reddish stalks. New leafy shoots and capsules develop after autumn and winter rains.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Atrichum angustatum grows in part shade to full shade on damp, acidic, compacted mineral soil with consistent surface moisture. It establishes on bare ground and needs no fertile soil, taking up moisture and nutrients directly through its leaves and shoots. Steady humidity and a stable, undisturbed surface support the colonies, while drought and deep leaf litter reduce them. It tolerates poor, eroded soils that few vascular plants occupy. In cultivation it is grown in moss gardens and terrariums on firmed, lime-free soil. Overhead watering with soft or rainwater keeps the turfs green.Pruning
No pruning applies to this moss. Colonies are maintained by clearing fallen leaves that would otherwise smother the low turfs. Pieces of the leafy shoots can be pressed onto bare soil to start new patches.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing