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Crossidium Moss

This page provides information about the moss genus Crossidium and related species.

Some Crossidium species form dense tufts that, while small, might be tempting for pets to nibble or ingest.
Crossidium species may grow in cracks in rocks, potentially exposing pets to uneven or sharp surfaces.

Crossidium mosses are generally small and may present a choking hazard if detached and ingested by young children.
As with pets, the mosses may grow in rocky areas, increasing the risk of scrapes and falls.

Scientific Name: Crossidium
Common Name: Crossidium Moss (This name is also used to refer to many species within the genus.)
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Bryophyta
Class: Bryopsida
Order: Pottiales
Family: Pottiaceae
Genus: Crossidium
Synonyms and Related Taxa:
- Barbula squamifera Viv. (A basionym for Crossidium squamiferum)
- Crossidium griseum (Jur.) (redirected to Crossidium squamiferum var. pottioideum)

Crossidium species are found in various locations, including the USA, Canada, South Africa (Western Cape Province), and Dagestan.
Crossidium squamiferum is especially common on thin soil over boulders and in cracks in rocks.
Crossidium crassinerve is found in the Mojave Desert of Nevada (USA) and other arid areas.

Crossidium mosses are often extremely small and herbaceous, forming dense, hoary tufts.
They frequently grow as linear colonies.
Crossidium crassinervium var. crassinervium is a small moss that occurs mostly as scattered stems in sandy arid areas, with awns frequently as long as the leaves.
All Crossidium species share some growth of filaments.

Crossidium species exhibit desiccation tolerance, allowing them to survive in arid environments.
Research suggests that decreased summer rainfall can reduce moss cover in desert environments, impacting species like Crossidium crassinerve.
Some research suggests that *Pterygoneurum* could have evolved from ancestors of *Crossidium*.

Crossidium squamiferum (Viv.) Jur.
- Commonly known as crossidium moss.
- Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN): 548250.
Crossidium crassinerve (De Not.) Jur.
- A desert moss investigated for its inducible desiccation tolerance strategy.
Crossidium seriatum Crum & Steere
- Commonly known as Tiny Tassel Moss or Crossidium Moss.
- Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN): 547684.
Crossidium aberrans
Crossidium rosei Williams
- Commonly known as Rose Crossidium Moss.
Crossidium desertorum Holz. &amp Bartr.
Crossidium spiralifolium Magill

The common name "crossidium moss" can refer to many different species within the Crossidium genus, highlighting the importance of using scientific names for accurate identification.