Dicranum scoparium
broom forkmoss
Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, Asia)
SunPart Shade – Full Shade
WaterMedium
Overview
Dicranum scoparium is a perennial moss forming dense cushions or turfs 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) tall, with upright stems clothed in narrow leaves. The leaves are 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) long, tapering to a narrow point, and curved to one side (falcate-secund), so a colony has a swept or combed look that gives the moss its common name. Color ranges from yellow-green to dark green, drying to a duller olive. Stems are matted below with brown rhizoids. Spore capsules are borne singly on reddish stalks 0.6-1.6 inches (1.5-4 cm) tall; the capsule is cylindrical and curved, 0.1-0.2 inch (3-5 mm) long, and nods at maturity. The moss spreads by stem branching and by fragments that root where they land. It holds moisture in the cushion and revives after drying. Growth is slow, with cushions enlarging gradually over several years.
Native Range
Widespread across the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia, with scattered occurrences elsewhere. It grows on acidic soil, rotting logs, rock, and humus in coniferous and mixed woodland, from lowlands to mountains.Suggested Uses
Grown in shade and woodland gardens, on logs, rocks, and between stepping stones, and in terrariums and bonsai plantings. It forms a low evergreen carpet in moist, acidic shade where turfgrass fails. The cushions take only light foot traffic, which otherwise crushes the stems.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 4"
Width/Spread6" - 2'
Bloom Information
Reproduces by spores rather than flowers. Spore capsules mature mainly in late summer and autumn, releasing spores as the capsule mouth opens. Reddish stalks appear through the growing season where conditions stay moist.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
yellow-green to dark 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in shade to part shade on acidic, moisture-retentive substrates such as humus, peat, decaying wood, and rock. It needs steady humidity and dries to dormancy in drought, reviving when wet. Direct sun and alkaline conditions cause browning and decline. In moss gardens it is laid on cleared soil and kept moist until anchored by rhizoids. Leaf litter that smothers the cushion is removed to keep it open. It tolerates winter cold across temperate regions.Pruning
No pruning applies. Fallen leaves and debris are lifted off the cushions to prevent smothering. Sections can be lifted and pressed onto new ground to start additional patches.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons