Overview
Brachythecium spp. is a large, cosmopolitan genus of pleurocarpous mosses in the family Brachytheciaceae, containing roughly 100 to 200 species distributed across every continent, including Antarctica. Plants form loose to dense interwoven mats or wefts of creeping stems rather than upright tufts. Individual shoots are irregularly to pinnately branched and typically 0.4-4 inches (1-10 cm) long, with branches spreading or ascending. Leaves are 1-3 mm long, egg-shaped to triangular, and taper to a slender point, often with a single costa (midrib) running most of the leaf length and small teeth along the margins. Foliage is green to yellow-green and glossy when dry. The genus grows on soil, rock, logs, tree bases, and lawns in shaded to partly sunlit sites. Spore capsules are borne on reddish stalks (setae) 0.4-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) long and are cylindrical, curved, and inclined to horizontal, ripening through autumn and winter. Many species are hard to separate without microscopic examination of leaf cells and capsule teeth. Brachythecium spp. mosses tolerate a wide moisture range and resume growth quickly after rain, persisting green through mild winters. As non-vascular plants, they lack true roots and absorb water across their surfaces.
Native Range
Brachythecium spp. is cosmopolitan, occurring on all continents from the tropics to polar regions. Species grow across North America, Eurasia, Africa, Australasia, and Antarctica. The genus occupies a broad range of temperate and boreal habitats worldwide.Suggested Uses
Brachythecium spp. mats are used as groundcover in shaded gardens, between paving, and in moss gardens. The genus also stabilizes soil surfaces and is studied as an indicator of habitat moisture.How to Identify
Appearance
Colors
Foliage Colors
Fall Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Mosses do not flower. Brachythecium spp. reproduces by spores released from capsules that mature mainly in autumn and winter. Capsules develop on reddish stalks after fertilization in moist conditions.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green to yellow-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
Soil Requirements
Drainagemoist