Taxonomy

Division:

Bryophyta | - Mosses

Family:

Pottiaceae

Genus:

Tortula

Species:

Tortula ruralis

USDA Symbol:

TORU70

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:

Nonvascular

Height:

3 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Ground Cover:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Highly desiccation-tolerant moss that can survive extreme drought and heat; rapidly rehydrates and resumes photosynthesis after fire or drought events.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

well-drained, sandy or rocky soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions