Thamnobryum spp.

feather-moss

Neckeraceae

Cosmopolitan; shaded damp rocks and stream banks

Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterHigh

Overview

Thamnobryum spp. is a genus of robust pleurocarpous mosses in the family Neckeraceae, found on shaded, damp rock, boulders, tree bases, and stream banks, often on limestone, across much of the world. Plants have a dendroid, tree-like form: a creeping primary stem runs along the substrate and sends up stiff, erect secondary stems 1-6 inches (2-15 cm) tall that branch into frond-like sprays near the top. The small overlapping leaves are oval with toothed tips and a single midrib, dark green to yellow-green, knitting into dense, spreading mats. As a moss, Thamnobryum spp. has no roots, flowers, or seeds; it anchors by rhizoids and reproduces by spores released from capsules raised on slender stalks. The mats hold moisture and trap sediment, stabilizing rock and soil surfaces in humid, shaded sites. Plants need constant humidity and shade and shrivel quickly where the surface dries or direct sun reaches them, so they are confined to sheltered, moist microhabitats. Growth is slow, and colonies expand gradually over years.

Native Range

Thamnobryum spp. is widespread across temperate and tropical regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Species grow on shaded calcareous rocks, boulders in and beside streams, and the bases of trees in humid forest.

Suggested Uses

Used on shaded rockwork, stumperies, and water features, and in terrariums and moss gardens where humidity stays high. Suited to clothing damp stone and tree bases in deep shade.

How to Identify

Recognized by its tree-like form, with erect secondary stems rising from a creeping base and branching into frond-like sprays. Leaves are small, oval, toothed at the tip, and dark green. Spore capsules are held on short, slender stalks among the fronds.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1" - 6"

Width/Spread6" - 2'

Colors

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Thamnobryum spp. reproduces by spores and does not flower. Spore capsules mature mainly in the cooler, wetter months. New shoots extend from the creeping stems during humid periods.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

dark green to yellow-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 8.0(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

rocky chalk

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow in deep to partial shade on damp rock, stone, or humus in a constantly humid setting such as a shaded wall, water feature, or terrarium. Keep the surface and surrounding air moist, as the mats brown and curl when they dry. Plants suit neutral to alkaline substrates, including limestone and mortar. Clear fallen leaves and competing debris, which smother the colony. Mist during dry spells to maintain the moist film the moss depends on.

Pruning

No pruning is needed. Clear fallen leaves and debris that settle on the mat to prevent smothering. Detached fronds can be pressed onto damp substrate to start new colonies.

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 1 gallons

✓ Toxicity

Non-toxic

Moss