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calliergon moss

Scientific Name: Calliergon stramineum

Family: Amblystegiaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Calliergon cordifolium and Calliergon giganteum

This page provides information about two species of moss within the genus Calliergon: Calliergon cordifolium and Calliergon giganteum. These mosses are commonly known as calliergon mosses, heart-leaved spearmoss (C. cordifolium), giant spearmoss, giant calliergon moss, or arctic moss (C. giganteum).

Considerations for Pets

  • Mosses are non-vascular plants.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Calliergon
  • Family: Amblystegiaceae
  • Order: Hypnales
  • Calliergon cordifolium:
    • Scientific Name: Calliergon cordifolium (Hedw.) Kindb.
    • Common Names: Calliergon moss, Heart-leaved Spear-moss
    • Synonyms: Acrocladium cordifolium (Hedw.)
    • Varieties: Calliergon cordifolium var. fontinaloides (J. Lange) G. Roth
  • Calliergon giganteum:
    • Scientific Name: Calliergon giganteum (Schimp.) Kindb.
    • Common Names: Giant spearmoss, Giant calliergon moss, Arctic moss, Giant water-moss
    • Varieties: Calliergon giganteum var. immersum Ruthe ex Karcz.
  • Other Species Mentioned:
    • Calliergon richardsonii (Richardson's calliergon moss)
      • Synonym: Calliergon richardsonii var. robustum (Lindb. & Arnell) Broth. emend. Karcz.
    • Calliergon stramineum
    • Calliergon megalophyllum
    • Calliergon macounii
    • Calliergonella cuspidata

Distribution and Habitat

  • Calliergon giganteum grows in the arctic tundra, a cold environment in the Northern Hemisphere within the arctic circle. It is an aquatic plant found on lake beds.
  • Calliergon cordifolium is found in multiple locations.

Ecological Role

  • In the arctic, Calliergon giganteum moss covers the ground and warms it up, allowing other plants to grow.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Calliergon cordifolium has erect, little-branched shoots.
  • Calliergon giganteum has no wood stems.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • In the arctic, moss such as Calliergon giganteum is eaten by migrating animals.

Further Information

  • TSN 16185 (Calliergon cordifolium)
  • TSN 16188 (Calliergon giganteum)
  • USDA Plants Database
  • Encyclopedia of Life