Polytrichum commune (also known as common haircap, great golden maidenhair, great goldilocks, common haircap moss, or common hair moss) is a species of moss found in many regions with high humidity and rainfall. The species can be exceptionally tall for a moss with stems often exceeding 30 cm (12 in) and rarely reaching 70 cm (27.5 in), but it is most commonly found at shorter lengths of 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in). It is widely distributed throughout temperate and boreal latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere and also found in Mexico, several Pacific Islands including New Zealand, and also in Australia. It typically grows in bogs, wet heathland and along forest streams.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Common 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 formosum
- Polytrichum ohioense
- Polytrichum juniperinum
- Polytrichastrum alpinum
- Polytrichum strictum
- Polytrichum perigoniale
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Bryophyta
- Class
- Polytrichopsida
- Order
- Polytrichales
- Family
- Polytrichaceae
- Genus
- Polytrichum
- Species
- Polytrichum commune
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