Dicranum scoparium

Dicranum scoparium common broom moss

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA

This plant grows in clumps with leaves turned in one direction and so one of the common names is wind-swept moss.  Leaves are shiny green, long and narrow, with widest part near the base.

This moss is commonly found on drier forested slopes as well as in moist areas by streams.  It grows on soil, rock and rotting wood & often grows with Leucobryum and Polytrichum mosses.

Grows in upland wooded areas.

S-rank:  S5 (Secure)
G-rank:  G5 (Secure)

Scoparium is latin for 'broom'.

Dicranum scoparium common broom moss

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA

Dicranum scoparium gallery
Common Names
common broom moss wind-swept moss