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amblystegium moss
Scientific Name: Amblystegium
Family: Amblystegiaceae
Category: Moss
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Creeping Feathermoss (Amblystegium serpens)
Amblystegium serpens, commonly known as creeping feathermoss, is a species of moss belonging to the genus Amblystegium.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Amblystegium serpens
- Common Names: Creeping feathermoss, Creeping Feather-moss, Nano moss, Willow Feather-moss, amblystegium moss
- Family: Amblystegiaceae
- Genus: Amblystegium Schimp. in B.S.G. (type genus of the traditional family Amblystegiaceae)
- Synonyms:
- Amblystegium serpens (Hedw.) Schimp.
- Amblystegium serpens var. juratzkanum (Schimp.) Rau & Herv.
- Amblystegium serpens W. P. Schimper in B. S. G., 1853
- Amblystegium radicale (P.Beauv.) Schimp.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Pleurocarpous in form.
- Leaves are ovate to lanceolate.
- Shoots are mid- to dark green, irregularly branched, and 1 to 2 cm long, forming extensive, intricate patches.
- Stem leaves are very small (normally only about 0.5 mm).
- Forms loose, soft mats.
Habitat and Distribution
- Prefers moist to aquatic sites.
- Found in wooded streams (e.g., Delaware County, Ohio).
- Occurs in various locations, as evidenced by herbarium specimens from Shrewsbury Museums.
Ecological Role
- Annual fires negatively impact Amblystegium populations in some ecosystems (e.g., Iowa upland white oak forests).
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Sometimes found on creeping bentgrass putting greens.
- May be impacted by annual fires alongside lichens like Physcia millegrana.
Related Species
- Amblystegium varium (Hedw.) Lindb. ("tangled thread moss")
- Amblystegium riparium
- Hygroamblystegium fluviatile/tenax (Brook-side/Fountain Feather-moss)