Learning the language of moss
Learning the language of...
Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus
A list of Irish mosses would be incomplete without this ubiquitous species. It really can be found all over the place.
Habitat
I didn't have any photographs of Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, so I went for a walk and found some at the side of the road (pictured above) within 100 meters of my home. It is a generalist species and can be found in grassland, lawns and gardens generally. It can be found in wilder environs too: I have encountered patches of it in drying out bogs, although it is not a useful bog forming moss.
How to recognise
This lanky moss is amongst the most easily identifiable species. You'll recognise it by its long, reddish brown stems, which can grow up to 15cm. Its sparse leaves are green/yellow in colour and run all the way along the stem. "Squarrosus" refers to the recurved leaves, that point back down towards its base. The leaves are wider at the stem and taper to a point. It is (like most mosses) handsome, but often viewed as a pest, as it proliferates quickly and will take over your lawn.