Pseudoscleropodium, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
Europe, North Africa, and western Asia
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
WaterHigh
Overview
Pseudoscleropodium is a genus of pleurocarpous mosses in the family Brachytheciaceae, widely known from the single species Pseudoscleropodium purum (formerly Scleropodium purum). Plants form loose mats or scattered turfs of pale to yellow-green, plump shoots 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long. The stems and branches are densely set with overlapping, concave leaves that swell outward to give the shoots a smooth, worm-like (julaceous) form. Branching is regularly pinnate, the side branches blunt-tipped and curved. Leaves are about 0.08-0.10 inch (2-2.5 mm) long, broadly egg-shaped, abruptly narrowed to a short twisted point, with a short midrib. Sporophytes are uncommon: when produced, curved cylindrical capsules 0.10-0.12 inch (2.5-3 mm) long sit on red setae and shed spores in winter. Colonies creep outward across the ground over several years and can carpet open turf. Growth is moderate where humidity is steady; shoots pale and shrink in prolonged drought and resume growth after rain. In mown turf the plants persist below cutting height.
Native Range
Pseudoscleropodium purum is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, where it grows in unimproved grassland, heath, dunes, woodland rides, and lawns on a range of soils. It has become naturalized in parts of North and South America, southern Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, often spreading through turf and disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Occurs in lawns, meadows, dunes, and woodland as a ground-covering moss, and is sometimes used in moss gardens and shaded plantings on soil or turf. In maintained lawns the spreading mats compete with grass and are often raked out.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Width/Spread6" - 1'6"
Colors
Foliage Colors
Fall Foliage Colors
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
pale green to yellow-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 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
