Specimen #3 Atrichum Moss

Figure 1. Maturing operculate capsule with calyptra. 

Figure 2. Close up of leaf (with costa and lamellae) of Atrichum crispum.

Name: Atrichum crispum Atrichum Moss 

Family:  Polytrichaceae

Collection Date: Oct. 8, 2011

Habitat: Damp soil

Location: Hiram College Field Station woods

Description: Dark green, well defined leaves with costa, spiraling around the stem.  Sporophyte capsule operculate, maturing to a brown-red color.  Found in a large tuft on soil at the base of a tree.
Collector: Jennifer Friedler

Key used: Conard, H.S. and P.L. Redfearn, Jr. 1979. How to Know the Mosses and Liverworts 2^nd Edition, McGraw-Hill, Boston, Mass.

Keying Steps:

Introduction key pg. 19

1a. has stem and leaves; erect, ascending, prostrate, or hanging...2

2b. No hayline cells...3

3b. Green...pg. 28. Bryidae

Key to Subclass Bryidae pg. 28

1b. Green, one layer of cells...3

3b. Leaves in three or more rows...7

7b. No isodiometeric cells...8

8b. Leaves well developed and persistent...9

9b. Has a seta...10

10b. Distinct stem; has operculum...17

17b. Large plant...20

20a. Lamellae on costa...21

21b. Has lamallae...23

23b. Leaves toothed on margin; not oval....24

24a. Calyptra smooth...25

25b. No cilia on leaf; bordered with long narrow cells...pg 223 Atrichum

Key to Genera Atrichum pg. 223

1b. levaes broad; 0-6 lamallae...2

2a. leaves 1.5m wide or more; not collenchymatous...3

3a. 0-3 lamellae; striate papillae on margins...Atrichum crispum

"Plants small to moderatly robust, in dull yellowish-green tufts on soil in mountains, Ontario to Quebec and Nova Scotia south to Iowa, Tennessee to Florida" (Conrad 224).

Moss Links: 

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ATCR

http://plants.findthedata.org/detail/6635/Atrichum-crispum