Schreber's Big Red Stem Moss
Pleurozium schreberi
- Native to:
- United States
Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Bryophyta | - Mosses
- Family:
- Hylocomiaceae
- Genus:
- Pleurozium
- Species:
- Pleurozium schreberi
- USDA Symbol:
- PLSC70
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
Mournful Thorn (Lambdina fiscellaria)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- small mammals, nesting birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Notes:
- Sensitive to fire; typically eliminated by burning but can recolonize from spores over time.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- acidic, nutrient-poor, sandy or peaty soil
- pH:
- 3.5 - 5.5 (strongly acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in boreal forests and heathlands