SafePlants

Fissidens bryoides: Lesser Pocket-moss

Fissidens bryoides, commonly known as bryoid fissidens moss or lesser pocket-moss, is a widespread moss belonging to the family Fissidentaceae.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• This plant is a moss, and as such may grow in moist environments.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Fissidens bryoides Hedw.
• Common Names: Bryoid fissidens moss, Lesser pocket-moss
• Family: Fissidentaceae
• Rank: Species
• Synonyms:
  • Fissidens viridulus (redirected to Fissidens bryoides)
  • Fissidens andersonii (mentioned as a synonym)
  • Fissidens bryoides var. brevifolius
  • Fissidens bryoides var. incurvus
• Varieties:
  • Fissidens bryoides var. brevifolius (Ren. & Card.)
  • Fissidens bryoides var. ramosissimus (Thr.) Z. Iwats. & T. Suzuki, hom. illeg.
  • Fissidens bryoides var. lateralis (Broth.) Z. Iwats. & T. Suzuki
  • Fissidens bryoides var. caespitans Schimp.
  • Fissidens bryoides var. pusillus
  • Fissidens bryoides var. gymnandrus (Buse) R. Ruthe
  • Fissidens bryoides var. esquirolii
  • Fissidens bryoides var. bryoides

Distribution and Habitat

• This moss is found in various locations, including Deep Woods Preserve, Hocking County, Ohio, Washington Co., Maryland, and Berks, VC22, England.
• It thrives in mostly shady areas with moderate acid and moist soil.
• Observed on shaded clay among moss carpets.

Morphological Characteristics

• Plants are light to rather deep green, reaching up to 6 mm in height, with as many as 10 pairs of leaves.
• When dry, the leaves twist laterally; when moist, they spread from the stem at an angle.
• Some species of Fissidens have leaves bordered by long, narrow cells creating a pale glistening border.

Ecological Role

• This plant is nonvascular (a moss or algae).

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Found growing among moss carpets of Fissidens taxifolius.

Resources and Further Information

• TSN 16923
• Encyclopedia of Life
• USDA
• ABMI species summary
• Maryland Biodiversity