Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Step Moss, Hylocomium Splendens


Day 14: Step Moss (Hylocomium splendens) is common in lowland forests throughout western Washington. Named for the manner in which it adds annual growth in 3-5 cm. increments separated by short stems, it is a vigorous groundcover, often forming mounds which completely mask the underlying terrain. Its age may be determined by counting the number of "steps" on any given stem. Its preferred habitat is among Western Red Cedar and Hemlock.

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