Dicranum scoparium

Dicranum scoparium, the broom forkmoss,[1] is a species of dicranid moss, native to North America, including the Great Lakes region. It usually forms tufts or mats on soil in dry to moist forested areas. As with many types of moss Broom moss grows in clumps with Broom mosses as well as other mosses. It can be distinguished by its leaves, which strongly curve to one side.

Dicranum scoparium
Broom forkmoss
Broom moss in Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Bryophyta
Class: Bryopsida
Subclass: Dicranidae
Order: Dicranales
Family: Dicranaceae
Genus: Dicranum
Species:
D. scoparium
Binomial name
Dicranum scoparium
Hedw.

Description

Broom forkmoss is usually robust and coarse, forming shiny tufts with woolly stems 2–8 cm high. The leaf midrib extends to the tip and usually has 4 ridges along its back. The leaves are 3.5–8 mm long, lance-shaped with a long, slender point, and strongly toothed along the upper third. Most leaves will be folded and curved to one side, but may be wavy. Capsules are 2.3–5 mm long, urn-shaped and curved. The capsules are held on mostly-erect stalks 18–35 mm long. The operculum (capsule lid) is usually longer than the capsule.[2]

As a bryophyte, Dicranum scoparium has pluricellular rhiziods (root structure) which help with water absorption and anchor the plant to the ground.

Distribution

Broom forkmoss can be found across North America (except Labrador, North Dakota, Texas and Nevada), Europe, Asia, as well as in Australia and New Zealand[3]

  • Capsules
  • Close-up
  • Lamina cells 400×
  • Middle ridge 200×
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References
  1. Edwards, Sean R. (2012). English Names for British Bryophytes. British Bryological Society Special Volume. 5 (4 ed.). Wootton, Northampton: British Bryological Society. ISBN 978-0-9561310-2-7. ISSN 0268-8034.
  2. Legasy, K., LaBelle-Beadman, S. & Chambers, B. 1995. Forest Plants of Northeastern Ontario. Lone Pine Publishing & Queen's Printer for Ontario: Edmonton. ISBN 1-55105-064-1
  3. Flora of North America. n.d. Dicranum scoparium Hedw.
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