SafePlants

Calliergonella cuspidata: Pointed Spear-moss

Calliergonella cuspidata, commonly known as Pointed Spear-moss or Calliergonella Moss, is a frequently encountered and easily recognizable moss species.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calliergonella cuspidata (Hedw.) Loeske
• Common Names: Pointed Spear-moss, Calliergonella Moss
• Family: Amblystegiaceae
• Synonyms:
  • Acrocladium cuspidatum (Hedw.) Lindb.
  • Hypnum cuspidatum L.
  • Calliergon cuspidata (Schimp.) Warnst. var. pungens (Schimp.) Warnst.
• Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Calliergonella cuspidata is almost globally spread in temperate climates and is a rather common moss in Central Europe.
• It is found in wetlands and moist coastal areas.
• It's also a common species of wet dunes.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Calliergonella cuspidata is a medium-sized moss.
• It grows mixed with other bryophytes.
• It forms green, yellow-green mats.
• In Tasmania, it is described as a relatively common weft-forming moss.

Ecological Role

• One species of Calliergonella is considered an important lawn weed in moist coastal areas.
• Changes in moss layers including Calliergonella can indicate shifts in nutrient levels in certain habitats like Czech fens.
• Its presence or absence in soils indicates information on the calcium levels, as Calliergonella is found in soils with lots of calcium.

Quirky Facts

• In lawns, Calliergonella cuspidata may thrive after cutting vascular plants.

Further Information

• British Bryological Society Checklist of British and Irish Bryophytes
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Tropicos
• Index Fungorum
• Moss Flora of N. Amer. (1928-1934)