No images found for this plant ID: 8927.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "8927" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

Safe for Dogs?

Safe for Cats?

Safe for Reptiles?

calliergon moss

Scientific Name: Calliergon trifarium

Family: Amblystegiaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Calliergon cordifolium and Calliergon giganteum

This page provides information about two species of moss: Calliergon cordifolium and Calliergon giganteum, both belonging to the Amblystegiaceae family. They are commonly known as calliergon mosses.

Considerations for Pets

  • These mosses are often found in aquatic and semi-aquatic environments.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Amblystegiaceae
  • Order: Hypnales
  • Calliergon cordifolium is also known by the synonym Hypnum cordifolium (Hedw.).
  • Synonyms for Calliergon richardsonii include Calliergon richardsonii var. robustum (Lindb. &amp Arnell) Broth. emend. Karcz.

Common Names

  • Calliergon cordifolium: Calliergon moss, heart-leaved spearmoss, heart-leaved spear moss
  • Calliergon giganteum: Giant spearmoss, giant calliergon moss, arctic moss, giant water-moss
  • Calliergon richardsonii: Richardson's calliergon moss

Distribution and Habitat

  • Calliergon giganteum grows in the arctic tundra, a cold environment within the Arctic Circle, often found on lake beds.
  • One study measured the photosynthetic response of Calliergon giganteum to water content.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Calliergon cordifolium has erect, little-branched shoots.
  • Calliergon giganteum has no wood stems and is an aquatic plant.

Ecological Role

  • In the arctic, Calliergon giganteum covers the ground, warming it and allowing other plants to grow. It's also eaten by migrating animals.

Quirky Facts

  • Calliergon megalophyllum was rediscovered in the Netherlands after approximately 50 years.

Resources and Further Information

  • TSN (Integrated Taxonomic Information System) numbers:
    • Calliergon cordifolium: 16185
    • Calliergon giganteum: 16188
  • USDA PLANTS Database (Symbol: CALLI10)