Ceratodon purpureus
redshank
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
Overview
Ceratodon purpureus is a cosmopolitan moss found on every continent, forming low, dense green to brownish turfs 0.2-1.2 inches (0.5-3 cm) tall. The small, lance-shaped leaves have margins that are turned under and a nerve running to the tip; they twist slightly when dry and spread when moist. The plant is recognised most readily by its spore capsules, carried on slender stalks that turn deep red to purple as they ripen, often colouring whole patches when produced in quantity. The capsules are inclined and furrowed when dry, with reddish teeth around the mouth. It colonises a wide range of open, disturbed habitats, including burnt ground, bare soil, paths, walls, roofs, gravel, and ground polluted by metals or acids that exclude most plants. It tolerates drought, frost, heat, and pollution, and is a frequent pioneer after fire. As a non-flowering plant it has no roots, flowers, or seeds, anchoring by rhizoids. It is gradually replaced where richer soil and taller vegetation take over.
Native Range
Found worldwide, from the tropics to polar regions on every continent, growing on bare, disturbed, often acidic or polluted ground, burnt sites, paths, roofs, and walls.Suggested Uses
Used on green roofs, gravel, walls, and disturbed or poor ground where a hardy, fast-colonising moss is wanted, including reclaimed or polluted sites. It suits hot, open, mineral surfaces that resist other plants. Cover builds quickly for a moss and pairs with other pioneer species.How to Identify
Appearance
Bloom Information
As a moss, this species does not flower; it reproduces by spores. Capsules are produced freely, ripening mainly in spring and early summer on the characteristic red-purple stalks. The moss also spreads by growth and by detached shoots on bare ground.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green to brownGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-12 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
This tough moss grows on bare, firm, often acidic or disturbed surfaces in full sun to light shade, from soil and gravel to walls and roofs. It tolerates drought, frost, heat, pollution, and metal-rich ground that few other plants survive. No feeding or routine watering is needed, as it draws moisture from rain and dew. It is established by scattering or pressing fragments onto bare, compacted substrate. Shade, deep litter, and competition from larger plants are the main causes of decline. Once colonised, patches need little care beyond keeping competing vegetation in check.Pruning
Pruning does not apply to this moss. Maintenance is limited to clearing litter and taller plants that would shade and smother the turf. Loose fragments can be repositioned to extend a patch.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing