Dicranum fuscescens – dusky fork moss
Common Name
dusky fork moss
Alternate Common Names
- curly heron's-bill moss
Family
Dicranaceae
Scientific Name
Dicranum fuscescens
Soil Moisture Regime (SMR)
- Very Dry (VD)
- Dry (D)
- Moderately Dry (MD)
Soil Nutrient Regime (SNR)
- Poor (P)
Photo Gallery
General / Habitat
Somewhat shaded, on wood and humus, sometimes growing on Douglas fir and alder (epiphytic)
Forming tufts
Key Identifying Characteristics
Leaves: dull green, twisted when dry
Sporophyte: grooved, dry, dark brown when mature (in spring)
Lookalikes
Dicranum pallidisetum: Dry leaves not twisted, yellow seta, Pale brown sporophyte.
Interesting Characteristics
Species name (fuscescens) means browning with age
External References
Sources
Douglas, G.W. et al (Editors). 1998-2002. Illustrated Flora of British Columbia, Volumes 1 to 8. B.C. Min. Environ., Lands and Parks, and B.C. Min. For., Victoria, B.C.
Pojar, J. and A. MacKinnon. 2014. Plants of Coastal British Columbia Including Washington, Oregon & Alaska. B.C. Ministry of Forestry and Lone Pine Publishing. Vancouver, B.C.