© Brian Starzomski, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) · iNaturalist
Dendroalsia spp.
SunPart Shade – Full Shade
Overview
Dendroalsia spp. is a genus of mosses in the family Leucodontaceae with a single species, D. abietina, native to western North America from British Columbia south through California to Baja California. It grows as an epiphyte on the trunks and branches of oaks and other trees, and on shaded rock, in regions watered by winter rain and coastal fog. From a creeping main stem it sends up arching, tree-like (dendroid) secondary shoots 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long that are densely set with small, pointed leaves. In dry weather the shoots curl and coil tightly inward, exposing little surface and surviving long rainless summers in a dormant state; when wetted they uncurl within minutes and resume growth. Reproduction is by spores from capsules that are partly hidden among the leaves and produced irregularly. Forming hanging mats and tufts, it is a conspicuous part of the bark flora in oak woodland and mixed forest of the Pacific states. It is rarely cultivated and depends on humid, shaded conditions with seasonal moisture, browning and curling whenever it dries. Like other mosses it has no true roots and draws moisture directly through its surface.
Native Range
Native to western North America along the Pacific coast and inland ranges, from British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, and California to Baja California, in oak woodland and mixed forest.Suggested Uses
Used in shaded moss gardens, on logs and bark features, and in terrariums and woodland plantings in mild, humid climates. The arching shoots add texture to tree trunks and shaded rockwork where summers are dry but air stays humid.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 4"
Colors
Foliage Colors
Fall Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
As a moss it does not flower and instead reproduces by spores. Spore capsules form irregularly and sit partly hidden among the leaves, ripening mainly through the moist winter and spring months. Most increase, however, is by vegetative growth of the shoots.
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
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
It grows in shade to partial shade with high humidity and seasonal moisture, attached to tree bark, logs, or shaded rock rather than in soil. The moss tolerates long dry spells by curling and going dormant, then reviving when rain or fog returns, so it suits climates with wet winters and dry summers. Soft, lime-free water and a sheltered, humid position keep it in active growth. It is established by tying or pressing collected tufts onto moist bark or stone. No fertiliser is used. Direct sun and dry wind cause prolonged dormancy or browning.Pruning
No pruning is carried out. Loose or damaged shoots can be lifted away by hand, and tufts can be divided and re-attached to spread the moss. Old growth is otherwise left undisturbed.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons