SafePlants

Bruchia Moss: A Closer Look

The genus Bruchia encompasses a variety of mosses, including species like Bruchia bolanderi and Bruchia vogesiaca. These mosses, often referred to collectively as "Bruchia moss," are typically small and can be found in various environments around the world.

Scientific and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Bruchia (with various species, including Bruchia bolanderi Lesq., Bruchia vogesiaca Nestl. ex Schwaegr., Bruchia fusca Britt., Bruchia carolinae Aust., Bruchia drummondii Hampe ex Britt., Bruchia texana Austin, Bruchia brevipes, Bruchia flexuosa, and Bruchia queenslandica)
• Common Names: Bruchia moss, Bolander's candlemoss, Bolander's pygmymoss, Bolander's bruchia moss, Carolina Bruchia Moss, Drummond's Bruchia Moss, Texas Bruchia Moss, Shortleaf Bruchia Moss, Pygmy moss, Earth Moss, Vosges Candle-moss, Bending Bruch's moss, Bruch's moss, Thin Cord-moss.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Bryophyta
• Class: Bryopsida
• Order: Dicranales
• Family: Bruchiaceae
• Genus: Bruchia Schwgr. (1824)
• Synonyms: Alternative scientific names may exist; further research in databases like The Plant List or Index Nominum Genericorum is recommended.

Distribution and Habitat

• Bruchia mosses have a widespread distribution, with species found in:
  • California (Bruchia bolanderi)
  • United Kingdom (Bruchia vogesiaca)
  • Antarctica, Australia, and South Africa (Bruchia brevipes)
  • Western Europe, North America, and China (Bruchia vogesiaca)
  • France (Bruchia vogesiaca)
  • Oregon
• Habitats include clay soils in fields, under old willows, along brooks, and damp, disturbed, acidic soil.

Morphological Characteristics

• Plants are typically very small, ranging from 3.5 mm to 6 mm in height.
• Coloration ranges from yellowish-green to brown.
• Growth habit is typically in loose tufts.
• Leaves can be up to 3 mm long and may possess a single costa (midrib).

Ecological Role

• Some Bruchia species respond well to disturbance, indicating a potential role in early successional environments.

Quirky Facts

• Bruchia vogesiaca has been found in less than 30 locations in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Bruchia bolanderi is included in the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants on list 4.2 (limited distribution).

Further Information

• GBIF Backbone: For detailed taxonomic information.
• The Plant List and Index Nominum Genericorum: For synonymy and nomenclature.
• NYBG Virtual Herbarium: For specimen information.
• USDA: For distributional data.