Specimen #1 Wavy Starbusrt Moss

Figure 1. Dry Atrichum altecristatum

Figure 2. Dry Atrichum altecristatum leaves

Figure 3. Wet leaves of Atrichum altercristatum

Figure 4. Rust fuzz of Atrichum altercristatum

Name: Atrichum altercristatum

Common name: Wavy Starburst Moss

Family: Polytrichacea

Collection date: September 1, 2015

Habitat: Somewhat dry and sunny under an oak tree

Location: South Russel, Ohio

Description: Fairly large moss with long branches, dark green and curly when dry but appear lighter and unwind as they become wet.

Collector: Willa Scharlu

Key used: McKnight, Karl B. and Rohrer, Joseph R. 2013. Common Mosses of the NorthEast and Appalachians. Princeton University Press. New Jersey.

Keying steps: 

acrocarp, lance with midrib

1b) plants darker green, shoots loosely associated, leaves flat or folded with midrib usually visible at least at base of leaf

3b) plants on soil, rocks, trees or logs in dry areas, leaves not folded at base

4a) leaf surface rippled/wavy when wet

5a) leaf midrib to leaf tip, visible as green and white stripes

6b) midrib fills ≤1/4 width of upper leaf; leaves 0.7-2mm wide

7b)plants 1-3cm tall; lower stems matted with rust-colored fuzz

Links:

http://www.florafinder.com/Species/Atrichum_altecristatum.php

http://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/viewSpecies.php?species=10929

http://ohiomosslichen.org/moss-atrichum-altecristatum/