Ulota crispa
crisped pincushion
Northern Hemisphere (Europe, northern Asia, North America)
Native to North America
SunPart Shade
WaterHigh
Overview
Ulota crispa is a small, cushion-forming moss of the family Orthotrichaceae, growing as an epiphyte on the bark and branches of trees and shrubs across temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It forms neat, rounded tufts or pincushions 0.4-1.2 inches (1-3 cm) tall, made of many erect, branching stems. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves are 0.1-0.2 inch (3-4 mm) long, spreading and green to yellow-green when moist but strongly curled and crisped when dry, which gives the moss its common name. Spore capsules are held above the cushion on short stalks; each ribbed, urn-shaped capsule narrows to the mouth and is hooded by a hairy cap, ripening in late summer and autumn. As an epiphyte it draws moisture and nutrients from rain, mist, and airflow rather than from soil, so it grows in humid, well-lit air and is sensitive to drying and air pollution. It is not cultivated in the ordinary sense but indicates clean, moist woodland air and adds to bark habitats for tiny invertebrates.
Native Range
Found across the temperate and boreal Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, northern Asia, and North America. It grows as an epiphyte on the bark and twigs of broadleaved trees and shrubs in humid woodlands, often near coasts and in areas of clean air.Suggested Uses
Not grown ornamentally, it serves as an indicator of clean, humid woodland air and adds to the epiphyte community on tree bark. It supports tiny invertebrates and contributes to bark moisture and texture in natural and naturalistic plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Width/Spread1" - 4"
Colors
Foliage Colors
Fall Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
As a moss, it produces no flowers and reproduces by spores. Ribbed, urn-shaped capsules ripen in late summer and autumn, releasing spores into moist air. It also spreads by fragmentation of its shoots.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
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