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Overview
Hylocomiadelphus is a genus of robust pleurocarpous mosses in the family Hylocomiaceae, segregated from Rhytidiadelphus and found in woodland, grassland, and dune habitats across the cool-temperate northern hemisphere. Plants form loose, springy wefts of arching stems 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, often with a reddish main stem and irregular branching. The leaves are broadly triangular, spreading widely from the stem and tapering to a slender point, giving the shoots a shaggy, star-like look. Like all mosses, Hylocomiadelphus has no roots, flowers, or seeds; it anchors by rhizoids and reproduces by spores carried in capsules on reddish stalks. The widespread H. triquetrus grows on the ground in shaded woods, on banks, and among grass on neutral to base-rich soils. The genus needs cool, humid conditions and steady moisture, and the wefts dry and lose colour in heat or drought. It spreads slowly across the surface and is sensitive to trampling and heavy disturbance, so it builds up only in stable, undisturbed ground.
Native Range
Found across the cool-temperate northern hemisphere, including Europe, northern Asia, and North America, in woodland, grassland, and dunes.Suggested Uses
Grown in moss gardens, woodland floors, and shaded naturalistic plantings as a springy green groundcover. The shaggy texture gives contrast among other mosses and woodland perennials. It is also used on shaded banks and between stepping stones in low-traffic areas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Colors
Foliage Colors
Fall Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Mosses in this genus do not flower. Spore capsules form on reddish stalks and release spores mainly in autumn and winter in temperate regions.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Yellow-green to green, reddish stemsGrowing 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
Hylocomiadelphus grows on the ground in cool, shaded to partly shaded woodland, grassland, and dunes on neutral to base-rich soils. Steady moisture and humidity are needed, and the wefts brown and shrink in heat or dry air. It does not root, so it is laid on a firm, moist surface of soil, leaf litter, or short turf to establish. Low-nutrient conditions suit it, and heavy fertiliser or dense shade from rank growth sets it back. In cultivation it is used in moss gardens and kept damp with soft water. It spreads slowly and recovers poorly from trampling or disturbance.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Overgrown or browned patches can be lifted and re-laid on fresh moist ground to renew the weft. Leaf litter is cleared off so the low growth is not smothered.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons