Diphyscium foliosum
“nut moss”
Diphyscium foliosum at Symmes Creek, Gallia County, Ohio. June 21, 2008.
Diphyscium foliosum at Adams County, Ohio. October 3, 2014.
How to recognize Diphyscium foliosum: This moss forms dark green little tufted with tongue-shaped (lingulate) leaves, 1-5 mm long, with rounded tips and bistratose above with mammilose/multipapillose cells. When capsules are present they are distinctive and immediately the moss can be identified as Diphyscium. These capsules are immersed, asymmetric ovoid shapes tapered to mouth of capsule, 2.5-4.5 mm long. These capsules are called grain-of-wheat in older moss flora.
Where to find Diphyscium foliosum: This moss is found on bare soil in forests, in ravines on cliff faces, and at base of tree roots.
