Barbula, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
beard moss
SunPart Shade – Full Shade
Overview
Barbula is a large genus of small acrocarpous mosses in the family Pottiaceae, found on soil, rock, walls, and disturbed ground worldwide. Plants form low green to yellow-green turfs and cushions a fraction of an inch to about 1.5 inches (0.5-4 cm) tall, spreading into patches several inches across. The stems are erect and crowded, clothed in narrow, lance-shaped to tongue-shaped leaves 0.04-0.16 inch (1-4 mm) long. Leaf margins are often recurved, and the surface is roughened by tiny papillae; when dry, the leaves twist and curl inward, opening again when moistened. A midrib runs to or beyond the leaf tip, sometimes as a short point. Spore capsules, where produced, are held upright to slightly inclined on reddish stalks 0.2-0.8 inch (5-20 mm) tall, the cylindrical capsule topped by a lid and a twisted ring of teeth that controls spore release. Many species favour lime-rich or disturbed substrates and appear on mortar, paths, and bare soil. Plants are poikilohydric, drying to a dull, shrunken state and reviving with rain.
Native Range
The genus is cosmopolitan, with species on every continent including Antarctica, and is well represented across North America, Europe, and Asia. Plants colonize bare and disturbed ground, soil banks, rock crevices, walls, and mortar, often on calcareous or neutral substrates from sea level to high mountains.Suggested Uses
Used in moss gardens, green roofs, terrariums, and between paving and on walls where a low green cover is wanted. Lime-tolerant species grow on stone, mortar, and concrete that suit few other mosses. Plants form a thin carpet in shaded, consistently moist spots but thin out under heavy foot traffic or deep shade with litter.How to Identify
Appearance
Colors
Fall Foliage Colors
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green to yellow-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-5 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
In cultivation for moss gardens and terrariums, plants grow on firm, moist, low-nutrient substrate in shade to part sun, with several species tolerating brighter, more exposed sites than most mosses. Steady surface moisture supports growth, while the plants survive repeated drying by going dormant and greening up again when rewetted. Lime-tolerant species establish on mortar, concrete, and calcareous soil where many mosses fail. Competition from vascular weeds and smothering leaf litter are the main problems, and patches are kept clear of debris. No feeding is needed, as excess nutrients encourage competing plants. Establishment is by transplanting fragments or by spreading a moss slurry onto a moist, compacted surface.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
