Hedwigia ciliata
ciliate hoarmoss
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
Overview
Hedwigia ciliata is a cushion-forming moss in the family Hedwigiaceae, growing on exposed, acidic rock such as granite and sandstone boulders. It forms loose grey-green mats that spread 2-12 inches (5-30 cm) across, with individual shoots 0.4-1.6 inches (1-4 cm) long. The small overlapping leaves are egg-shaped and end in clear, colorless tips that give the colony a hoary, frosted look when dry, the source of its common name. As the moss dries, the leaves fold against the stem and the patch turns whitish-grey; after rain or dew it expands and deepens to green within minutes. It reproduces by spores formed in stalkless capsules nestled among the leaves rather than raised on long stalks as in many mosses. The species tolerates extreme desiccation and revives repeatedly through cycles of drying and wetting, allowing it to persist on sun-baked rock where little else grows. It occurs nearly worldwide on suitable acidic stone across temperate and montane regions. Because it grows only on bare rock and not in soil, it has limited use in conventional plantings and appears mainly in rock gardens and naturalistic stonework.
Native Range
Found nearly worldwide, occurring on exposed acidic rock across temperate, boreal, and montane regions of North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.Suggested Uses
Used in rock gardens, on boulders, and in naturalistic stonework where a low grey-green moss cover is wanted on acidic stone. It also colonizes walls, gravestones, and roof tiles of suitable rock in cool, humid settings.How to Identify
Appearance
Colors
Foliage Colors
Fall Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
As a moss, Hedwigia ciliata produces spores rather than flowers. Spore capsules mature among the leaves, chiefly in spring, and release spores when conditions are moist.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
grey-green with whitish tipsGrowing 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