SafePlants

Conostomum tetragonum: Helmet-moss

Conostomum tetragonum, commonly known as Helmet-moss or conostomum moss, is a species of moss with a wide distribution. This page offers information about its taxonomy, distribution, and other notable characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

• This moss features narrow, spearhead-shaped leaves, which might be a point of interest for curious pets.
• The plant has a glaucous green color and small size (shoots 2 cm or more tall), making it potentially attractive or easily accessible to pets.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Conostomum tetragonum (Hedw.) Lindb.
• Common Names: Helmet-moss, conostomum moss
• Rank: Species
• Genus: Conostomum Swartz in Weber & D. Mohr, 1804
• Family: Bartramiaceae

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to various regions, including specific bioregions designated as SN and SNE.
• Found in locations such as near Winnemucca Lake in Alpine County.
• Also found in the Atlantic Forest.
• Observed growing on rocks in coire environments.

Morphological Characteristics

• Shoots are a pale glaucous green and can grow to 2 cm or more in height.
• Leaves are ovate to lanceolate or narrowly lanceolate, and arranged spirally or in 5 ranks when moist.
• Easily recognized by the strongly 5-ranked leaves on a small glaucous plant.
• Capsules are sometimes slightly furrowed.

Taxonomic Notes

• The genus Conostomum was once comprised of fifteen species, but has been reduced to seven.
• Synonyms or related species mentioned include Conostomum boreale Sw., Conostomum aequinoctiale Schimp. ex C. Mll., Conostomum pentastichum (Brid.) Lindb., Conostomum pusillum Hook.f. & Wilson, and Conostomum giganteum Bartr. & Dixon.

Ecology

• Indicates its presence in various ecological communities, including those in New York State.

Further Information

• Tropicos
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Wikispecies
• ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System): TSN 16097
• British Bryological Society Checklist of British and Irish Bryophytes