Schistidium spp.
schistidium mosses
Cool and temperate regions, both hemispheres (rock)
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
WaterLow
Overview
Schistidium is a genus of cushion-forming mosses in the family Grimmiaceae, growing mostly on hard rock, including both acidic and calcareous stone, walls, and concrete, across cool and temperate regions and high mountains. The plants form firm, dark green to blackish-green cushions and turfs 0.2-1.2 inches (0.5-3 cm) tall, often hoary where the leaves end in white hair-points. The narrow leaves are keeled and pressed to the stem when dry, spreading when moist. A characteristic feature is the spore capsule, which sits almost hidden among the upper leaves rather than on a long stalk, and whose lid and fringe of teeth often come away together; the genus was split from Grimmia partly on these capsule traits. Schistidium tolerates extreme exposure, drought, and cold, growing on sunlit boulders, coastal rocks splashed by salt, and alpine stone, and surviving long dry spells by drying out and reviving when wetted. Some species favour limestone and concrete, others acidic rock. Spread is by spores and by fragments of the wiry shoots. The hidden capsules and rock-cushion habit identify the genus, though species need microscopic study.
Native Range
Schistidium grows across cool and temperate regions and high mountains of both hemispheres, on hard acidic and calcareous rock, walls, concrete, coastal stone, and alpine boulders. Several species are common on sunlit and exposed rock and masonry.Suggested Uses
Schistidium colonises exposed rock, walls, and concrete on its own and is studied as a tough, drought- and cold-hardy moss of harsh sites. The genus indicates hard rock surfaces and is used in bryophyte study and surveys of stone and masonry. Its tolerance suits it to green roofs and stonework in dry, sunny places.How to Identify
Appearance
Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Mosses do not flower. Schistidium reproduces by spores from capsules that sit nearly hidden among the upper leaves, ripening mainly in spring. It also spreads by fragments of the wiry shoots, and cushions enlarge by their own growth.
Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
• 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