Broom forkmoss

Dicranum scoparium

Dicranum scoparium is a species of dicranid moss, native to North America, including the Great Lakes region. It usually forms tufts or mats on soil in dry to moist forested areas. As with many types of moss Broom moss grows in clumps with Broom mosses as well as other mosses. It can be distinguished by its leaves, which strongly curve to one side.
Broom Forkmoss - Dicranum scoparium Habitat: Mixed wetland/rocky forest Broom forkmoss,Dicranum,Dicranum scoparium,Geotagged,United States,Winter,moss

Appearance

Broom forkmoss is usually robust and coarse, forming shiny tufts with woolly stems 2–8 cm high. The leaf midrib extends to the tip and usually has 4 ridges along its back. The leaves are 3.5–8 mm long, lance-shaped with a long, slender point, and strongly toothed along the upper third. Most leaves will be folded and curved to one side, but may be wavy. Capsules are 2.3–5 mm long, urn-shaped and curved. The capsules are held on mostly-erect stalks 18–35 mm long. The operculum is usually longer than the capsule.

As a bryophyte, ''Dicranum scoparium'' has pluricellular rhiziods which help with water absorption and anchor the plant to the ground.
Broom Forkmoss - Dicranum scoparium Habitat: Pond edge/wetland area of a deciduous forest Dicranum,Dicranum scoparium,Geotagged,United States,broom forkmoss,moss,winter

Distribution

Broom forkmoss can be found across North America , Europe, Asia, as well as in Australia and New Zealand

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
DivisionBryophyta
ClassBryopsida
OrderDicranales
FamilyDicranaceae
GenusDicranum
SpeciesD. scoparium
Photographed in
United States of America