Learning the language of moss
Learning the language of...
Hylocomium splendens
A common moss that can be found in the most remote places, or your back garden.
Habitat
This is a widespread species, thriving in acidic woodland soils, heathlands, and upland moors. In the Caledonian pinewoods, it’s so abundant that it defines the W18 vegetation community. It prefers well drained, humic ground. You’ll also find it on rotting logs and stumps.
How to recognise
The fronds are flattened and bipinnate, with delicate side branches that fan out like those of a tiny fern. The stems are usually reddish and fuzzy, thanks to tiny hair-like paraphyllia. The leaves are falcate (sickle-shaped), curving gently to one side, and finely toothed along the margins. Often mistaken for Thuidium tamariscinum, but can be differentiated by its red stems.