Thamnobryum alopecurum
fox-tail feather-moss
Europe, North Africa, and western Asia
SunFull Shade – Part Shade
WaterHigh
Overview
Thamnobryum alopecurum is a robust pleurocarpous moss in the family Neckeraceae, forming dark green to brownish-green tufts on shaded, damp surfaces. From a creeping primary stem, erect secondary shoots rise 0.8-4 inches (2-10 cm) and branch toward the top into a dense, tapering cluster of side branches, giving each shoot the look of a miniature tree or a fox's tail. The leaves are broadly oval with a toothed margin and a single strong midrib running most of their length, spreading when moist and becoming pressed to the stem when dry. It grows on shaded limestone rocks, stony stream banks, waterfall splash zones, and the bases of trees, favouring humid, base-rich situations out of direct sun. Reproduction is by spores released from cylindrical capsules borne on short reddish stalks, rather than by flowers or seed. The moss spreads slowly to form persistent patches and tolerates deep shade and constant moisture that few flowering plants endure. It is sensitive to drying out and to full exposure, retreating from sites that become hot or droughty. Growth is slow and largely confined to cool, sheltered, consistently moist ground.
Native Range
Native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of western Asia, extending north to the British Isles and Scandinavia. Widespread in Britain and Ireland on shaded, lime-rich rock and stream banks.Suggested Uses
Used on shaded, damp limestone rockwork, in woodland and stream-side plantings, and in moss gardens with constant moisture. It clothes wet stone and tree bases where lime is present. The moss adds texture in cool, humid, low-light corners.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 4"
Bloom Information
This moss reproduces by spores rather than flowers. Spore capsules form on short reddish stalks, mainly through autumn and winter, ripening and shedding spores in damp conditions. Capsules are produced irregularly and are absent in many colonies.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark greenGrowing 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