Leucodon julaceus
“catkin-like white-toothed moss”
Leucodon julaceus at Caesar Creek State Park. September 24, 2011. The ends of some of the branches are dried out and julaceous.
Leucodon julaceus leaf is ecostate.
How to recognize catkin-like white-toothed moss: Leucodon julaceus is a light colored medium-sized little-branched carpet moss that occurs high on bark. The branches are pendant, but upturned at the ends, giving the plant a hook-like aspect. When dry the leaves are tight to stems (julaceous), and when moist, the leaves are held widely divergent all around the stems. Through the microscope, note the leaves are ecostate (no costa or midrib), which differs from another similar genus, Forsstroemia, and unfolded (not plicate), thereby enabling distinction from the other species of Leucodon found in Ohio.
Where to find catkin-like white-toothed moss: Leucodon julaceus is fairly common and widespread in eastern North America. In Ohio, it is principally found in the southern half of the state. Most common on bark, it also may be found on logs, or, rarely, rocks.
