Bristly haircap moss

Polytrichum piliferum, the bristly haircap, is an evergreen perennial species of moss in the family Polytrichaceae. The bristly haircap moss is small-sized to medium-sized and forms loose tufts with wine-reddish stems. 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.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Bristly haircap moss being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Polytrichum juniperinum

Classification

Kingdom

Plantae

Phylum

Bryophyta

Class

Polytrichopsida

Order

Polytrichales

Family

Polytrichaceae

Genus

Polytrichum

Species

Polytrichum piliferum

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