Taxonomy

Division:

Bryophyta | - Mosses

Family:

Polytrichaceae

Genus:

Atrichum

Species:

Atrichum oerstedianum

USDA Symbol:

ATOE

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:

Nonvascular

Height:

5 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Ground Cover:

Yes

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

invertebrates, amphibians

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil

pH:

5.0 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

good drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

commonly found in shaded forest floors