Taxonomy

Division:

Bryophyta | - Mosses

Family:

Polytrichaceae

Genus:

Polytrichum

Species:

Polytrichum piliferum

USDA Symbol:

POPI10

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:

Nonvascular

Height:

5 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Ground Cover:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Colonizes burned and disturbed sites; one of the first bryophytes to establish post-fire 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, sunny areas