Taxonomy

Division:

Bryophyta | - Mosses

Family:

Hylocomiaceae

Genus:

Hylocomium

Species:

Hylocomium splendens

USDA Symbol:

HYSP70

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:

Nonvascular

Height:

10 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Ground Cover:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

small mammals, birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Notes:

Highly susceptible to fire; typically eliminated by burning and slow to recolonize.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

acidic, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil

pH:

4.0 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

commonly found in boreal forests and tundra