Hygroamblystegium varium
(formerly Amblystegium varium)
“tangled thread moss”
Hygroamblystegium varium in wooded stream in Delaware County, Ohio. November 11, 2011.
Stem and leaves of Hygroamblystegium varium. Note costa extends to leaf tip.
Substrate of Hygroamblystegium varium in wooded stream in Delaware County, Ohio. November 11, 2011.
Hygroamblystegium varium at Raven Rocks (Captina Conservancy), Belmont County, Ohio. June 6, 2014.
Sporophytes of Hygroamblystegium varium at Raven Rocks (Captina Conservancy), Belmont County, Ohio. June 6, 2014.
Leaf of Hygryoamblystegium varium from Raven Rocks (Captina Conservancy).
How to recognize Hygroamblystegium varium: This moss forms irregular branched patches of little green plants on the ground in damp places. The leaves are less than 1 mm long with tapering tips and broad bases, and a costa or midrib that extends almost to the very tip of the leaf. Occasionally it is found with capsules that are inclined to horizontal, often arcuate and constricted just below the mouth. Under the microscope the alar cells at the outside corners of the base of the leaf are almost square; the cells in the rest of the leaf are rhomboid to oblong in shape.
Where to find Hygroamblystegium varium: This moss is found on soil, on rocks and crevices, rotting wood, bark at base of trees, and sometimes in lawns. It is very common in Ohio.
