SafePlants

Leucodon Moss: A Detailed Overview

This page provides a comprehensive look at various species within the Leucodon genus, commonly known as leucodon moss or squirrel-tail moss, and related taxa. This information is compiled from various sources to offer a broad understanding of these mosses.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Leucodon species, such as Leucodon sciuroides, are known as squirrel-tail mosses due to their curved shape when dry. This characteristic might make them attractive to pets, potentially leading to ingestion.

Considerations for Children

• Leucodon julaceus is a light-colored, little-branched carpet moss. Its carpet-like appearance might make it attractive to children.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Leucodon Schwaegr.
• Common Names: Leucodon moss, Squirrel-tail Moss
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Leucodontaceae
• Order: Hypnales
• Rank: Genus (for Leucodon), Species (e.g., Leucodon julaceus), Variety (e.g., Leucodon brachypus var. andrewsianus)
• Synonyms/Alternative Names:
  • Leucodon secundus (Harv.) Mitt. (Supplied scientific name)

Distribution and Habitat

• Leucodon sciuroides has been found growing in mountainous areas of the Mediterranean, specifically in south-east Spain.
• Leucodon andrewsianus is an eastern North American endemic moss.
• Several Leucodon species have been identified in Northern and Southern Scotland.
• Specific species mentioned include mainly European and North American taxa of the moss genus Leucodon subg. Leucodon.

Morphological Characteristics

• Leucodon sciuroides shoots are typically 4-5 cm long. Vigorous colonies can be medium-sized to large. When dry, the shoots are often curved.
• Leucodon julaceus is described as a light-colored, medium-sized, little-branched carpet moss.
• Leucodon is distinguished from other genera in its family by its ecostate (lacking a costa or midrib) leaves.
• Sporophytes of Leucodon are unknown, and gametangia are extremely rare.

Ecological Role

• Many Leucodon species are epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants, such as bark.

Genetic Information

• Studies have been conducted on allozyme variability within and among populations of epiphytic Leucodon mosses to understand their genetic diversity.
• Phylogenetic reconstructions and haplotype analyses have been performed to infer relationships within the Leucodon genus.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Leucodon species are often found growing on bark, indicating an epiphytic relationship with trees.

Further Information

• Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS): Provides taxonomic serial numbers (TSN) for Leucodon species.
• Tropicos: A botanical database with information on Leucodon secundus.
• Azorean Biodiversity Portal: Information on Leucodon sciuroides.
• British Bryological Society Checklist of British and Irish Bryophytes: Includes Leucodon sciuroides.
• Garden Guides: Offers facts on plants commonly known as Leucodon Moss.