Bazzania trilobata
greater whipwort
Cool temperate and boreal North America, Europe, Asia
Overview
Bazzania trilobata is a robust leafy liverwort that forms deep green mats and cushions on the floor of moist forests, growing as creeping shoots 1.5–4 inches (4–10 cm) long and about 0.15 inch (3–4 mm) wide. The overlapping leaves are set in two rows along the stem, each leaf tipped with three short teeth that give the species its name, and range from green to yellow-brown depending on light and moisture. Pale, whip-like branches called flagella trail downward from the undersides of the shoots and root into the substrate. As a bryophyte, B. trilobata has no flowers, roots, or seeds; it reproduces by spores and by fragmentation of its shoots. It grows on rotting logs, humus, shaded boulders, and acidic forest soil across cool temperate and boreal North America, Europe, and eastern Asia. It depends on constant humidity and shade, and it dries out and browns quickly where the canopy opens or the air becomes dry.
Native Range
Bazzania trilobata occurs across cool temperate and boreal regions of North America, Europe, and eastern Asia. It grows in moist shaded forests on rotting logs, humus, acidic soil, and shaded rock.Suggested Uses
Used as a groundcover and accent in shaded woodland gardens, terraria, and moss gardens on acidic substrates. Set in cool, humid, shaded sites, it covers logs, rocks, and peaty ground where vascular plants struggle.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 4"
Width/Spread8" - 2'
Bloom Information
As a leafy liverwort, B. trilobata produces no flowers. It reproduces by spores released from capsules on short stalks and by the breaking off and rooting of shoot fragments. Spore capsules form infrequently and are short-lived.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green to yellow-brownGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 2 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
Grow B. trilobata in deep shade in constantly moist, acidic, humus-rich conditions on rotting wood, peaty soil, or shaded rock. It needs high, steady humidity and cool air, conditions found in shaded woodland, terraria, and north-facing rock gardens. Soil pH from 4.0 to 6.0 is suitable. The plant has no true roots and absorbs water over its whole surface, so it dries out quickly in wind or sun. It spreads slowly as the shoots creep and fork. Established mats need only continued shade and moisture.Pruning
No pruning is required. Loose or overgrown sections of mat can be lifted and replaced or used to start new patches. Clearing fallen leaves and debris keeps the mat exposed to light and air.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons