Habitat

Bryum argenteum is common moss of urban areas. Plants commonly grow in cracks in pavement, on mineral soil, stones, but also in more natural habitats.

 

 

 

 

 

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Gametophyte

Overall Structure:

Bryum argenteum forms glossy, silvery turfs on the substratum.

 

 

 

 

The densely-packed erect shoots of Bryum argenteum are distinctly “worm-like” in appearance.  

 

 

 

 

Leaf Structure:

The small leaves have a single costa that extends into a short point at the leaf tips. The laminal cells are smooth, thin-walled and not differentiated from those at the leaf margins.

 

 

 

 

 

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Asexual Reproduction

Gemmae:

Gemmae may be found in the leaf axils near the apex of shoots.

 

 

 

 

 

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Sporophyte

Sporophytes are green when young and reddish-brown when mature, usually in spring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sporangium:

Sporangium is nodding due to a bend at the apex of the seta. The sporangia in the photographs are immature.