Bristly Haircap Moss

Appearance

The sporophytes of "P. piliferum" are common and usually reach maturity during the summer. The sporangia are cube-like and inclined, but become more horizontal when mature. They are borne on the red-brown seta that is approximately 1 cm to 3 cm in height.

It is an acrocarpous moss that appears bluish-green to grey. This moss grows in clumps on erect shoots and becomes a red-brown colour as it grows older. The most distinguishing feature of "P. piliferum" is the long, white awn at the tips of the leaves, which also give this moss its grey colour. It is the only species in its genus where the awn is completely hyaline.

Naming

In English the species goes by the common names polytrichum moss, bristly haircap, or bristly haircap moss.

Distribution

"Polytrichum piliferum" has a bipolar, cosmopolitan distribution, occurring in suitable habitats on all continents including Antarctica.: 39  "P. piliferum" is less common than "Polytrichum juniperinum" and it often occurs in association with species of "Cladonia". In sandy dry grass lands the species prevents higher plants from growing.

Status

"P. piliferum" is ranked globally as secure as of 1/26/2015, meaning that this species is at a very low risk of becoming globally extinct due to an abundant population. In Canada, "Polytrichum pilifeurm" is ranked as secure, meaning that this species has a very low risk of becoming extinct in Canada due to a high presence in an extensive habitat.

Habitat

It is found in similar habitats to "Polytrichum juniperinum", however, "P. piliferum" prefers more open and exposed areas"." : 324  "P. piliferum" also prefers a drier environment and is able to withstand temperatures as high as 90°C to 100°C. "P. piliferum" can also be frequently found in areas that are acidic and low in nutrients, therefore, they can be an excellent gauge for nutrient levels.

The habitat of "P. piliferum" includes shallow soil over outcrops, exposed sandy soils of banks, gravel cover, and disturbed areas. Other habitats of "P. piliferum" includes rocks on road banks or pastures. It is also found in shallow and drained sand or gravel, like in ground over rocks and boulders.

Reproduction

"P. piliferum" is dioicous, meaning that it has separate male and female plants. To sexually reproduce, this moss utilizes the splash-cup mechanism to disperse the sperm it produces from its antheridia. The splash-cup mechanism occurs when raindrops splash onto the antheridia, collect sperm, and are hopefully splashed onto the female plant, where the sperm can swim to the archegonia.