SafePlants

*Brachythecium* Moss

This page provides information about mosses belonging to the genus *Brachythecium*, often referred to collectively as *Brachythecium* moss.

Considerations for Pets

• This moss forms loose, medium-sized or tangled mats.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: *Brachythecium* Schimp. in B.S.G.
• Family: Brachytheciaceae
• Group: Moss
• Synonyms/Varieties:
  • *Brachythecium reflexum* var. *reflexum* (Starke in Web. & Mohr) Schimp. in B.S.G.
  • *Brachythecium albicans* var. *occidentale*
• Class: Bryopsida
• Order: Hypnales

Common Species and Names

• *Brachythecium rutabulum*: Rough-stalked Feather-moss, Ordinary Moss
• *Brachythecium frigidum*: Cold Brachythecium Moss
• *Brachythecium velutinum*
• *Brachythecium populeum*
• *Brachythecium turgidum*: Stiff Brachythecium Moss
• *Brachythecium acuminatum*: Acuminate Brachythecium Moss
• *Brachythecium salebrosum*: Golden Ragged Moss, Smooth-stalked Yellow Feather Moss, Cedar Moss, Rough Moss, Green Silk Moss
• *Brachythecium acutum*: Acute Brachythecium Moss
• *Brachythecium albicans*: Whitish Feather-moss

Distribution and Habitat

• *Brachythecium* is a difficult genus in California.
• Generally found in mesic (moderately moist) sites, but not typically in inundated (flooded) areas, with *Brachythecium frigidum* as an exception.
• *Brachythecium albicans* is widely distributed on dune ridges.
• *Brachythecium rutabulum* is a common moss in the UK, found growing in lawns, fields and on walls.
• Observed in locations such as Sagehen Creek Basin, CA; Den Helder, Netherlands; Lincoln; Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Variable moss forming loose, medium-sized or tangled mats.
• *Brachythecium rutabulum* has frequent capsules with a curved, egg-shaped form and a roughened seta.
• Some forms are described as soft and fluffy, resembling shag carpet or stars (Star moss).
• *Brachythecium salebrosum* is a forest creeping moss.

Ecological Role

• *Bryum algovicum* (Drooping Thread-moss) and *Brachythecium albicans* (Whitish Feather-moss) are pioneer species found on dune ridges.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Desorption of 137Cs from *Brachythecium mildeanum* has been studied using H2SO4 and HNO3 solutions.
• Heavy metal-induced physiological alterations and oxidative stress in the moss *Brachythecium piligerum* have been studied.

Genetic Information

• DNA sequence analysis of the ITS region of nrDNA and the *atpB-rbcL* intergenic spacer has been used to classify *Brachythecium appleyardiae*.

Resources and Further Information

• TSN 16242
• Shrewsbury Museums Service (Hamilton Collection of Mosses)
• Encyclopedia of Life
• ARKive
• Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas

Quirky Facts

• One person describes *Brachythecium* moss as "shag carpet moss" and "Star moss," noting its soft and fluffy texture.