Taxonomy

Division:

Bryophyta | - Mosses

Family:

Polytrichaceae

Genus:

Polytrichum

Species:

Polytrichum juniperinum

USDA Symbol:

POJU70

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:

Nonvascular

Height:

10 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Ground Cover:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Often colonizes burned areas due to spores surviving fire and rapid establishment on exposed mineral soil.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.0 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

commonly found in open, exposed habitats