Hylocomium splendens

Phylum: Bryophyta

Family: Hylocomiaceae

Genus: Hylocomium

Scientific Name: Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) Schimp.

Common Name	Stairstep Moss
Frequency	XXXXXX

Image Gallery Distinguishing Features Similar Species Habitats Associated Species Distribution Map Relevant Literature

Image Gallery

Distinguishing Features

This is one of the most abundant mosses in our region, sometimes forming large carpets on the forest floor. It takes its name from its growth form, with its wide lacy shoots appearing as one or more horizontal “steps” above the substrate. Each step represents one year of growth. The stem is reddish, and the branches and leaves are yellowish-green to dark green.

Similar species

Pleurozium schreberi also grows as carpets, but it is less finely branched, and does not “step”. Thuidium is also much-branched, but does not step.

Habitat

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Associated species

Kindbergia oregana, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Pleurzozium schreberi, Dicranum scoparium, Plagiothecium undulatum and other forest floor species.

Distribution Map

Relevant Literature

Godfrey, J.D. (1977). Hepaticae and Anthocerotae of southwestern British Columbia . [Doctoral dissertation, University of British Columbia]. UBC cIRcle.
Hong, W. S. (2007). Scapania. In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (Eds.), Flora of North America North of Mexico (Vol. 3) . Oxford University Press.
Wagner, D. H. (2013). Guide to the liverworts of Oregon: Scapania undulata . Oregon State University Herbarium.