Specimen #13 Hypnum Curvifolium Moss Sample

Figure 1: Over view of the entire sample. Good
Representation of color and shows how closely
compacted the leaves are to the stems

Name: Hypnum Curvifolium
Common Name: Curve Leaf Moss











Family: Hypnaceae
Collected Date: 9/8/16
Habitat: Tree trunk bases most often, but also rotting logs and on top of rocks.
Location: Nelson Ledges
Description: Carpets are shiny, dark green moss, with light green tips. Branches are regularly pinnate and densely covered in leaves. The leaves overlap, with tiny sharp tips curled way under, giving the branches the tight and tidy look of embroidery floss. Not much change when wet and dry. Often times produces a cloud of capsules.
Key Used:Karl B Mcknight, Joseph R Rohrer, Kirsten Mcknight Ward, and Warren J. Perdrizet. 2013. Common Mosses of the Northeast and Appalachians 
Keying Steps:
1. Plants of dry ro very moist habitats, not submerged or kept constantly wet, leaves sickle-shaped on most of the plant
2. Leafy shoots less than 2mm wide, not appearing to be swollen; leaf surfaces flat or pleated lengthwise
3. Leaf bases held more closely to stem, spreading less that 45 degrees. leaf tips curing in the same direction to either side of the stem
4. Leaves curved but not forming ringlets
5. Plants larger
6. Plants branching regularly in pinnate pattern; shoots creeping; leaves appearing tightly braided 
7. Capsules inclined to horizontal, strongly curved