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Ctenidium molluscum

comb-moss

Myuriaceae

Europe, Asia, North Africa, North America

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

Overview

Ctenidium molluscum is a spreading pleurocarpous moss that forms soft mats and patches, golden-green to yellow-green in colour. Shoots are 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long and regularly pinnately branched, giving a feathered, comb-like outline. The narrow leaves are strongly curved to one side and taper to slender points, with toothed margins and a short or double nerve. Patches creep over rock and soil, the prostrate stems anchored by rhizoids and building up into low, springy cushions. Reproduction is by spores from capsules raised on reddish stalks, though these form only occasionally; spread is mainly by fragments and creeping growth. Colonies stay green through the year and dry to a duller tone in drought, reviving after rain. The moss is closely tied to lime-rich substrates and does not grow on strongly acidic ground.

Native Range

Widespread across Europe, parts of Asia, North Africa, and North America, mainly in regions with calcareous rock. Grows on limestone outcrops, base-rich soil, stony banks, dune slacks, and short calcareous grassland, from sea level to montane elevations.

How to Identify

Recognised by the regular, comb-like pinnate branching and the narrow leaves all curved strongly to one side, which give shoots a feathered look. Colour ranges from golden-green to yellow-green. The combination of finely tapered, one-sided leaves and a strict calcareous habitat separates it from similar feather mosses such as Hypnum spp. species, which tolerate acidic ground.

Appearance

Colors

Foliage Colors

green

yellow green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

golden-green to yellow-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

• 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

pH Range7.0 - 8.5(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

chalk rocky

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Persists on lime-rich rock and soil in open to lightly shaded sites with reliable moisture. It tolerates summer drying by becoming dormant and greening up again after rain. Colonies build where competition from vascular plants is sparse, such as thin soil over limestone. Heavy shading, burial by litter, or acidification reduces growth. It is not cultivated and occurs only where suitable calcareous habitat is present.