Specimen #7 Golden Fern Moss

Figure 1. Tomentum nitens at tree base

Figure 2. Tomentum intense wet leaves with sporophytes 

Figure 3. Tomentypnum nitens  brown hairs 

Figure 4. Tomentypnum nitens sporophytes 

Name: Tomentypnum nitens 

Common name: Golden fern moss

Family: Brachytheciaceae

Collection date: September 12, 2015

Habitat: moist tree base

Location: Newbury, Ohio
Description: Dark green in color with stringy branches leaves

Collector: Katie Trushel

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

Keying steps:

pleurocarp, lance, costa

1a) plants w/ upright steams, top of plants 3-10cm above substrate

2b) stems pinnately branched nearly to base, thus mimicking an upright feather

5b) plants of wet habitats; stems matted w/ green of red-brown hairs; leaves at stem tips straight

6b) leaves crowded, 3-4mm long

Links: 

http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=202991

http://www.peatnet.siu.edu/PeatGuide%20pages/Tomenthypnum%20nitens.html

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