Bryum, Genus, argenteum, Species,
- Genus & species
silvery bryum
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
Overview
Bryum argenteum is a small, cushion-forming moss recognised by its silvery-green to whitish shoots. The tightly packed leaves overlap and clasp the stem so closely that each shoot looks like a smooth, rounded, worm-like thread 0.1-0.4 inches (2-10 mm) tall. The upper half of each leaf is colourless and translucent, which gives the whole cushion its silvery sheen, especially when dry. It forms low, dense patches from a fraction of an inch to several inches across. Spore capsules are egg-shaped, nodding, and red-brown, carried on short red stalks, appearing mainly in winter and spring. This moss grows almost worldwide on disturbed, often nutrient-rich ground: pavement cracks, walls, rooftops, gravel, compacted soil, and city streets. It withstands drought, trampling, salt, and air pollution that exclude most other mosses, drying to a grey crust and reviving within minutes of rewetting. As a non-vascular plant it has no roots and takes up water over its whole surface, anchoring by thread-like rhizoids. It is among the first plants to colonise bare urban surfaces.
Native Range
Found on every continent, including Antarctica, and across nearly all climates. Its global range has been broadened by human disturbance and the spread of paved, urban habitats.Suggested Uses
Used on green roofs, in moss gardens, and on gravel, paving, and rockwork where tough ground cover is wanted. It suits dry, sunny, or polluted urban sites that defeat most mosses. It is not suited to deep shade kept permanently wet.How to Identify
Appearance
Bloom Information
As a moss it does not flower. Red-brown spore capsules nod from short red stalks, ripening mainly in late winter and spring. It also spreads readily from small shoot fragments and specialised bulb-like buds.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
silvery green to whitishGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 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
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
